Saudi govt adopts tougher measures vs working visa violators

MANILA, Philippines – A new law passed by the Shoura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday, September 10, mandates punitive action against Saudi sponsors and companies who allow foreigners to work for other employers. 

The new measure is aimed against those who employ visa violators, let their employees work on their own, or use the workers of other sponsors, the Arab News reports. 

Violators face jail sentences not more than five years. 

The new law, according to the Arab News allows security agencies “to arrest those who employ expatriates who violate Saudi law as well as those who allow their employees to work for their personal accounts.” 

It also allows the police “to arrest those who hide, shelter or transport violators or provide them with any form of assistance as well as those who did not inform authorities about the delay in departure of people whom they brought.” 

The new law also prescribes deportation for violators who came on Haj, Umrah and visit visas and proceeded to work for individuals or companies. Deportation for such violators will be at the expense of those who employ them.

The new law, which amended Article 39 of the Saudi Labor Law also says “An employer is not allowed to leave his employee to work for others, while an employee is not allowed to work for another employer, without following the necessary procedures. 

Saudi Arabia, which currently employs roughly 10 million Filipinos, is the top destination of overseas Filipino workers.  – Rappler.com