Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security has announced that expatriates working for their own account in violation of residency and labor regulations face strict legal penalties under the country’s residency, labor, and border security regulations.
Working for one’s own account refers to expatriates doing paid work independently, such as freelancing or running a business, instead of working only under their registered employer or official sponsorship.
The Public Security stated that violators are subject to imprisonment for up to six months and fines reaching 50,000 Saudi riyals, in addition to deportation from the kingdom. The directorate emphasized that failure to comply with regulations and instructions exposes violators to legal accountability.
The Public Security called on residents to help enforce these regulations by reporting violators through designated hotlines. In the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, reports can be made by calling 911, while residents in other areas of the kingdom should call 999.
According to the statement, all reports are treated with complete confidentiality, and informants face no liability for providing information. The directorate said these measures are part of efforts to enhance community security and protect the labor market.