SR 50,000 fine on self-employed expats in KSA

The Saudi government has imposed a fine of SR 50,000 on freelancers, self-employed expats, and those who work without Iqama transfer in Saudi Arabia.

Who are self-employed expats?

1- Freelancers are those expats who offer services without commercial registration, such as plumbers, electricians, painters, beauticians, etc.

2- Self-employed expats are those who are running a business under the name of a Saudi person, but in reality, they own the business. It is a cover-up business that is illegal in Saudi Arabia. 

3- The third category of expats are those who work for another employer without an Iqama transfer. It is illegal for expats to work for anyone except their employers.

4- It is worth noting that investment in the Saudi stock market is not illegal and, hence, does not fall under this category.

What is the punishment for employees?

Any self-employed expat shall be subject to the following penalties;

• SR 50,000 fine.
• 6 months Jail.
• Deportation from Saudi Arabia.

Is there any fine on Employer?

The employer who allows his expat worker to work for someone else (self-employed) in return for a sum of money would be punishable with;

• SR 100,000 fine.
• Deportation if he is an expat.
• 12 months Jail.
• 5-year ban on hiring expat workers.

Source: Jawazat