RIYADH — Inspection teams from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development have carried out more than 250,000 inspection visits to private sector establishments during the first quarter of 2026. These visits resulted in the detection of over 168,000 violations of Labor Law regulations.
As part of the ministry’s approach to fostering compliance through proactive oversight, approximately 230,000 warnings were issued to establishments to rectify their status. This measure is intended to reinforce a culture of compliance and strengthen early warning mechanisms to support business sustainability in accordance with applicable regulations.
In line with the ministry’s priorities to support and empower national talent and ensure the effective implementation of Saudization decisions, nearly 132,000 inspection visits were dedicated to monitoring compliance in this area. The ministry’s efforts also extended to the recruitment sector, where 5,926 visits were conducted to recruitment offices and companies. These inspections resulted in the recording of 3,522 violations, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.
The ministry also reaffirmed its determination to combat Sham Saudization. Through the use of smart monitoring tools and field inspections, approximately 91,000 suspected cases were examined, leading to the identification of 13,509 violations related to invalid employment relationships. The ministry implemented immediate deterrent measures, including the cancellation of these cases within the Nitaqat program, the withdrawal and cancellation of more than 7,200 visas issued to non-compliant establishments, and the suspension of essential services provided to those entities.
As part of its commitment to protecting workers’ well-being and safeguarding their right to genuine employment opportunities, all identified cases were referred to the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) to facilitate access to legitimate job opportunities.
With regard to digital monitoring, specialized teams identified electronic violations and took action against 238 offending accounts on social media platforms that were promoting unregulated domestic worker services. The ministry’s monitoring teams also conducted proactive screenings of approximately 54,000 cases to combat human trafficking, reflecting the Kingdom’s leading role in advancing humanitarian standards.
The ministry further commended the role of the community in supporting “participatory monitoring,” noting that its teams handled 15,563 reports and achieved a response rate of 96.96 percent within the prescribed timeframe. This demonstrates the efficiency, readiness, and technological advancement of the ministry’s monitoring system.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuous and rigorous monitoring efforts aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of national talent and strengthening their participation across key sectors, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for a prosperous and sustainable economy.
Source: Saudi Gazette