Saudi Arabia imposes fines for labor market violations

Saudi Arabia on Monday announced new penalties for companies that violate the country’s labor laws, in line with the market requirements, Nasser Al Ghafis, Minister of Labor and Social Development, said in a statement.

The penalties include a fine of SAR 10,000 for allowing non-Saudi employees to work in professions other than those listed on their work permit, or for the employer’s failure to register or update the company’s data at the labor bureau.

Employers will also pay a fine of SAR 2,000 if found to be keeping a worker’s passport, residence or medical insurance card without consent.

Other penalties include SAR 10,000 if the employer fails to submit the wage protection file on a monthly basis, SAR 10,000 for failure to allow workers’ leaves and SAR 15,000 for failure to meet occupational health and safety regulations.

Fines will be doubled in case of repeated violations or failure to correct a breach within a month, the statement added.