Saudi Arabia Issues Strict Warnings Against Unauthorized Side Jobs for Expatriate Workers
On September 7, 2026, the Saudi Ministry of Interior issued an enforcement warning regarding residency and labour regulations. This update highlights important rules that all workers and employers in the country must follow closely to avoid severe penalties.
- Employers face massive fines and prison time for illegal workers
- Expat workers must stick only to their registered professions
- Official platforms like Qiwa and Ajeer handle legal work changes
Penalties for Employers
Employers who permit their workers to perform tasks for other individuals or establishments, or allow them to work on their own account, face fines of up to SR100,000, a maximum of six months in prison, and a potential five-year ban on recruiting new workers. This warning reiterates existing rules rather than introducing new legislation, emphasizing that informal verbal or cash arrangements are illegal.
In Saudi Arabia, which is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian citizens, workers are frequently employed in sectors including construction, maintenance, transport, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and domestic services. Both employers and employees are required to adhere to residency, labour, and border-security regulations. Violations can be reported by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.
Labour Laws and Official Channels
Saudi Labour Law Article 39 stipulates that employees cannot work for other employers without following prescribed legal procedures, and similarly, employers are prohibited from hiring workers from other establishments informally. Article 38 further mandates that workers must not perform duties outside of their registered profession without completing the legal process for a professional change. Even if a worker is performing the same profession as listed on their Iqama, official authorization is still required.
The Ajeer programme, provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), offers an electronic legal document for temporary work arrangements; however, eligibility depends on sector and establishment-specific conditions. Workers are advised to verify their employment status through official channels, such as the Qiwa or HRSD platforms, rather than relying on informal instructions. Failure to comply can lead to increased fines, detention, and deportation for employees. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh continues to provide support to the Indian community regarding labour issues, employment disputes, and documentation.