Fatima Muhammad

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — One hundred and ninety-seven people were caught working for non-sponsors last week.



The violators were fined SR15,000 to SR100,000 and the employees deported. The employers will be imprisoned for six months to a year and deported, while their companies will be named and shamed.



The Ministry of Labor will also prevent violating companies from getting visas for a year to five years.



The Ministry of Interior’s inspectors also arrested 223 overstaying expatriates.



Their investigations included the retail, contracting, car repair and factory sectors.



The Ministry of Labor in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior carried out a series of investigations to ensure that business owners and employees were abiding by the law.



Abdullah Abu Ethnain, deputy minister for investigation and development of the work environment, said the government is strict about ensuring labor laws are adhered to. He added that the inspections would continue.



Abu Ethnain called on business owners and individuals to adhere to labor regulations, especially Article 39 that bans working for non-sponsors.