What is the Fine for Hiring Expats Without a Work Permit in Saudi?

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Improvement (MHRSD), there might be a fine of SR 5,000 for hiring an overseas worker without a work permit or informing Ajeer Program.

This fine is a result of a ministerial decision based on the updated list of infractions and fines in the Labor Law. The ministry released the final version of the schedule, a copy of which was viewed by Okaz/Saudi Gazette. 

In accordance with royal directives, recent amendments to the Labor Law, ministerial decisions regulating the labor market, and the implementation of Chapter 15 of the Labor Law, particularly related to penalties, the final draft was framed after amending the schedule of violations and penalties issued by ministerial decision No. 92768 dated Jamad Al-Awwal 5, 1443.

According to the ministerial decision, it is a serious offense for an employer to hire a non-Saudi employee without first obtaining a work permit or notifying the Ajeer Program, and a fine of up to SR10000 may be imposed. 

Additionally, there are stringent rules in place to prevent any form of discrimination in the workplace. A fine of SR3,000 may be imposed in the event that discrimination of any kind is discovered, whether it be against employees or job applicants with regard to working conditions and regulations, during the hiring or publishing of advertisements, in pay between men and women employees in jobs of equal value, or in any work that results in the nullification and growth of equal opportunities. 

For holding the passport or residency permit (iqama) of the employee or his relatives, the employer may be subject to a high-quality SR1000.

In the event that wages and other obligations are not paid to employees in the official currency of the country by the due dates specified in their accepted bank accounts, there may be a penalty of SR300. 

According to the revised schedule, the employer's failure to follow the standards for occupational safety, security, and well-being recognized by the ministry, as well as his failure to take the necessary safeguards to protect workers in all situations, constitutes a serious violation. For this offense, there might be fines of between SR1500 and SR5000. The business owner or his representative is responsible for any injuries that third parties may sustain while on the business's premises.

The ministerial decision further said that failing to provide a designated childcare facility or nursery for an organization with 50 or more employees is a non-serious violation that could result in a fine of SR 5000. It is said that there may be at least 10 children of employees, and they may be under the age of six.

According to the revised schedule, employing children under 15 is a severe offense that carries fines ranging from SR1,000 to SR2,000. Employing working women during the first six weeks after giving birth is also a serious violation that comes with an SR1,000 fine.