Saudi Arabia: Expats Working for Themselves Face SAR 50,000 Fine, Jail and Deportation
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior warns that expats who work on their own account in breach of residency and labour rules can be fined up to SAR 50,000, jailed for up to 6 months and deported.
Saudi ArabiaIn brief
- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior warns expats not to work for themselves in breach of residency and labour rules.
- Penalties can include a fine of up to SAR 50,000, up to 6 months in prison and deportation.
- Violations can be reported on 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere.
- Expats should only work for the employer that sponsors their work permit, unless an official route allows otherwise.
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Organization | Saudi Ministry of Interior |
| Official source | KSA Expats – reporting the Saudi Ministry of Interior's warning ✓ ksaexpats.com |
Expatriates in Saudi Arabia have been told by the Ministry of Interior not to work for themselves in breach of the Kingdom's residency and labour rules. The warning, reported in late August 2026, is a reminder of how heavy the penalties are for informal side jobs and self-employment.
The penalties
| Penalty | Up to |
|---|---|
| Fine | SAR 50,000 |
| Prison | 6 months |
| Deportation | Possible, depending on the violation |
The exact penalty depends on the case.
What counts as "working for yourself"?
In general, it describes an expat on a work visa who earns money outside the job their permit covers, without official approval. Typical examples include:
- running an unlicensed business or shop;
- freelancing or taking side jobs for customers directly;
- doing driving, delivery or repair work on their own account.
Any extra or flexible work must go through official channels and your employer. If your registered profession is wrong, fix it the official way. Read: Saudi work permit correction deadline.
How to report violations
The ministry asks the public to report residency, labour and border violations:
| Region | Number |
|---|---|
| Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Eastern Province | 911 |
| All other regions | 999 |
Reports are handled confidentially, according to the ministry.
What it means for expat workers
- Only work for your sponsoring employer, in the job on your work permit, unless an official route allows otherwise.
- Turn down "easy money" side jobs. A few extra riyals is not worth a SAR 50,000 fine and a ban.
- Check your status on Qiwa and Absher to make sure your profession and employer details are correct.
- If you want to change jobs, use the official transfer process through your new employer and Qiwa.
Related: Saudi Professional Verification explained and Saudi Arabia lets skilled expats bring families sooner.
Frequently asked questions
Can expats work for themselves in Saudi Arabia?
Not outside the official rules. The Ministry of Interior says an expat working on their own account in violation of residency and labour regulations can be fined, jailed and deported.
What is the fine for self-employed expats in Saudi Arabia?
Up to SAR 50,000, with possible imprisonment of up to six months and deportation, depending on the violation.
How do I report residency or labour violations in Saudi Arabia?
Call 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions. The ministry says reports are confidential.
Apply only through the official source.
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