# Saudi Arabia foreign labor regulation updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-arabia-foreign-labor-regulation-updates
> Updated: 2026-08-27T04:18:06.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

Saudi Arabia has introduced new measures to regulate the employment and transfer of foreign workers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched an electronic service allowing the transfer of private-sector workers to individual employers for domestic roles, provided the workers hold valid permits and do not occupy high-level or fully Saudized professions.

This initiative is linked to the Wage Protection Program, which mandates that domestic workers receive wages through approved channels. Regulations specify limits on the number of domestic workers allowed per household, with fees applied for exceeding these limits. Concurrently, authorities have intensified enforcement against unauthorized employment, with penalties for violations including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Further regulatory updates have introduced specific caps on work visas based on business longevity. Companies operating for less than two years are limited to five visas, while established businesses with over two years of operation may obtain up to 50. Companies in the Establishing Programme face quotas that scale based on their Nitaqat classification, which measures the use of Saudi nationals.

Regarding labor protections, the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment clarified that foreign workers may have the right to terminate employment immediately without losing legal entitlements in specific instances, such as non-payment of wages, contract deviations, or conditions endangering safety or dignity. Standard notice periods have also been defined: 60 days for monthly salaried employees and 30 days for others.

## Claims

- Saudi Arabia has introduced new limits on the number of work visas available to businesses. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Businesses operating for less than two years are limited to a maximum of five work visas. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Companies operating for more than two years can obtain up to 50 work visas. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Businesses in the Establishing Programme start with a quota of two work visas. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Monthly salaried employees must provide 60 days’ notice before termination, while others require 30 days. (single source)
- Foreign workers may leave jobs immediately with full entitlements if wages are unpaid or contract terms are violated. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Saudi Arabia implements new work visa limits and employment rules

Saudi Arabia has introduced new work visa limits for businesses, capping visas for new companies at five and established firms at 50, while clarifying legal protections and notice periods for foreign workers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-implements-new-work-visa-limits-and-employment-rules

### 2026-08-26: Saudi Arabia warns expatriates of fines and deportation for self-employment

Saudi Arabia has warned expatriates that self-employment outside legal frameworks can lead to fines up to SR50,000, imprisonment, and deportation, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-warns-expatriates-of-fines-and-deportation-for-self-employment

### 2026-08-07: Saudi Arabia launches new service for foreign worker transfers

Saudi Arabia has launched a digital service allowing the transfer of certain foreign workers from private companies to individual domestic employers, subject to specific eligibility and fee rules.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-launches-new-service-for-foreign-worker-transfers

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Cite as: Saudi Arabia foreign labor regulation updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-arabia-foreign-labor-regulation-updates