Saudi Arabia cancels 7,200 work visas in nationwide labour crackdown

Saudi Arabia has cancelled more than 7,200 work visas as part of a nationwide crackdown on labour law violations, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said.

The ministry confirmed that widespread inspections were carried out across the private sector during the first quarter of 2026, with nearly 250,000 workplace visits conducted.

The inspections uncovered around 168,000 labour law violations. Through digital monitoring and surveillance systems, 91,000 suspected cases were reviewed, leading to 13,509 confirmed serious violations related to employment practices.

As part of enforcement measures, authorities issued 230,000 warning notices and recorded 3,522 violations involving recruitment offices. Affected companies were also removed from the “Nitaqat” nationalisation programme and key government services were suspended for non-compliance.

The ministry said workers impacted by the crackdown are being referred to the Human Resources Development Fund for legal employment opportunities.

In addition, 238 online accounts promoting illegal domestic labour services were shut down, while more than 54,000 preventive inspections were carried out to combat human trafficking-related risks.

Authorities also reported receiving 15,563 public complaints, with action taken in more than 96 per cent of cases within the required timeframe.