Dubai: The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced any gathering inside or outside shops in excess of the numbers mentioned in the precautionary measures against coronavirus is a violation punishable with a SAR 5,000 fine and even deportation.
The guidelines have been placed to ensure everyone’s safety amid the coronavirus outbreak inside or outside stores and commercial shops.
First time violators will be fined SAR 5,000. The penalty for owners of the establishment may go up to SAR 100,000.
Second time violators will be slapped with SAR 10,000 fine for each individual exceeding the number of allowed people in shops.
The fine for third time violators and the individual shopper or/and establishment involved will be referred to the authorities for public prosecution.
If the establishment is affiliated with the private sector, and the violation is repeated for the first time, it (establishment) will be closed for three months.
If it is repeated for the second time, the facility or store will be closed for six months.
If the violator is an expatriate, then he/she will be deported from the Kingdom and get a permanent ban from entring Saudi Arabia.
The ministry urged all citizens and residents to report any violations on the toll-free number (999) in all regions of the Kingdom while those in Mecca can call (911).
