Saudi Arabia has cancelled more than 7,200 work visas issued to establishments found violating labour laws following large-scale inspections conducted across the country.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, authorities also suspended key government services for the violating businesses after uncovering widespread labour-related breaches during nationwide monitoring operations.
Officials said the punitive measures included removing the violating entities from calculations under the kingdom’s “Nitaqat” Saudisation programme and referring affected workers to the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) to help them obtain legal employment opportunities.
The ministry revealed that inspection teams carried out nearly 250,000 field visits to private sector establishments during the first quarter of 2026, detecting around 168,000 violations.
Authorities also issued approximately 230,000 warnings to businesses to correct their legal status, while 3,522 violations were recorded at recruitment offices.
In addition, officials said action was taken against 238 social media accounts allegedly promoting illegal domestic labour services online.
As part of anti-human trafficking efforts, authorities conducted proactive inspections into nearly 54,000 cases during the same period.
The ministry also praised public cooperation, stating that authorities handled 15,563 public complaints with a response rate of 96.96 per cent within the designated timeframe.
Saudi Arabia bans entry to Makkah without permit
Saudi Arabia earlier announced that expatriates and residents without official permits will be barred from entering Makkah from April 13, as part of new regulations introduced for the upcoming Hajj season.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Public Security confirmed that the permit requirement has come into effect, and only individuals with valid authorisation will be allowed entry into the holy city.
The restrictions apply to anyone who does not hold a valid Hajj permit, a work permit for the Holy Sites, or a residency ID issued in Makkah. Authorities have set up strict checkpoints, where those failing to meet the requirements will be turned back.
In addition, April 18 has been set as the final deadline for Umrah pilgrims to leave the country. From the same date, Umrah permits issued through the Nusuk platform will be suspended until May 31. Entry into Makkah will also be restricted for all visa holders except those with valid Hajj visas.
The government officials added that permits for Hajj season workers will be issued digitally through platforms such as Absher and Muqeem Portal, integrated with the Tasreeh system.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to strictly comply with the new rules, warning that violations will result in penalties, as the measures are aimed at ensuring safety and smooth pilgrimage operations.
Also read: Hajj 2026 operation begin: when will first flight depart?
