Riyadh authorities shut down illegal e-commerce training center

Authorities in Riyadh have shut down an illegal training center in the Al Batha district that was reportedly teaching absconding migrant workers how to operate e-commerce businesses independently.

The operation was uncovered during a joint inspection by the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and Riyadh police. Investigations revealed the site was managed by a foreign investor and two residents who were in violation of residency and labor laws. The center allegedly targeted Asian workers who had fled their sponsors, training them to manage digital stores to avoid government oversight.

Participants were reportedly charged up to 300 SAR for receiving purported “international certificates” that lacked any legitimate basis. Following the raid, the involved workers were detained, the residents were referred to security authorities, and the foreign investor was referred to the Ministry of Investment for potential violations of investment regulations.