Saudi Arabia has announced new facilities for small businesses, under which fees for foreign workers may be waived in certain cases.
As part of efforts to support private sector growth and improve the business environment in 2026, Saudi authorities have introduced important concessions and exemptions in Maktab Amal fees for small and medium sized enterprises.
According to the announced details, businesses meeting specific conditions will receive discounts on fees for their foreign employees.
The measures are aimed at strengthening the private sector and boosting the economy. Under the policy, businesses employing nine or fewer workers may qualify for special exemptions in Maktab Amal fees.
The announcement stated that if a sponsor is registered with the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) and is not employed by another company, they may receive a complete exemption from Maktab Amal fees for up to two foreign workers.
Similarly, if a business has at least one Saudi employee registered, the number of exempt foreign workers can increase to four.
Further details revealed that the fee for each foreign employee is approximately 800 Saudi riyals per month, while the annual fee amounts to nearly 9,600 Saudi riyals.
The statement clarified that the facility applies only to the Muqabil Mali fee, while iqama fees, medical insurance, and other government charges will still have to be paid.
Authorities also noted that rules and regulations may change from time to time and advised businesses to check the Labour Office’s Qiwa Platform for the latest updates.
Strict action announced against illegal Hajj in Saudi Arabia
In another development, the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia has announced strict penalties for individuals performing Hajj without an official permit.
Strict penalties will also be applied on the people who will or are facilitating illegal pilgrims.
The penalties applied will include deportation, heavy fines and long-term entry bans.
The ministry has announced any individual caught attempting to perform or caught performing Hajj will face up to fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals.
These rules will also be applied to holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter, enter and stay in Makkah and the holy sites during Hajj.
Even stronger penalties will be applied to those who are facilitating these violations.
Up to 100,000 Saudi riyals fine can be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for individuals attempting to perform hajj illegally.
The fine can be increased depending upon the violation and the individual.
For anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah or the holy sites the same maximum fine of 100000 riyals will be imposed.
The penalties will also be applied to those who provide any kind of shelter, including hotels, private homes and apartments or any kind of Hajj accommodations. The penalties will also be applied to whoever assists or conceals such individuals.
The fines will be multiplied depending on the number of violators involved.
Penalties other than the financial ones will also be applied. These penalties include deportation and being barred from entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.
It has also been stated by the ministry that the courts might confiscate vehicles used to transport illegal pilgrims.
It has been emphasised by the officials that these measures are intended to ensure the security and safety of Hajj pilgrims. Currently, authorities are working to maintain strict order and control during the Hajj season.
