Article 20 of the Saudi Temporary Work Visa Regulation
المادة 20 من اللائحة التنظيمية لتأشيرات العمل المؤقت والعمل المؤقت لخدمات الحج والعمرة · الفصل الرابع: العقوبات
Article 20 sets penalties for violating the Hajj and Umrah services visa provisions: a fine of up to SAR 50,000 or a competition ban for selling or assigning, SAR 15,000 for incorrect data, and SAR 5,000 for other violations.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
دون إخلال بأي عقوبة أشد يُنص عليها نظاماً، يعاقب من يخالف الأحكام المتعلقة بتأشيرة العمل المؤقت لخدمات الحج والعمرة، وفق الآتي:
1- يعاقب كل من يَثبت بيعه تأشيرة عمل مؤقت لخدمات الحج والعمرة، أو تنازله عنها للغير، أو استغلاله إياها في غير ما خصصت له؛ بغرامة لا تزيد على (50,000) خمسين ألف ريـال، أو بالمنع من دخول المنافسات الخاصة بالعمل المؤقت الخاص بخدمات الحج والعمرة لمدة لا تزيد على (خمس) سنوات، أو بهما معاً. وفي جميع الأحوال يُلزم المخالف بدفع ما يساوي ما حصل عليه من مكاسب جراء المخالفة. وتتعدد العقوبة بتعدد المخالفات.
2- يعاقب كل طالب تأشيرة عمل مؤقت لخدمات الحج والعمرة يثبت أن عنوانه أو البيانات التي سجلها، أو الوثائق التي قدمها من خلال موقع الوزارة، غير صحيحة، أو ثبت إغلاق مقر منشأته وقت الموسم؛ بغرامة لا تزيد على (15,000) خمسة عشر ألف ريال. وتتعدد العقوبة بتعدد المخالفات.
3- يعاقب كل من يخالف أي حكم من أحكام اللائحة لم يرد له عقوبة في الفقرتين السابقتين؛ بغرامة لا تزيد على (5,000) خمسة آلاف ريـال. وتتعدد العقوبة بتعدد المخالفات.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 20 explained in plain English
This article sets special penalties for violating the provisions of the temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services, without prejudice to any more severe penalty provided by another law. They fall into three categories:
- Selling the visa, assigning it to others, or using it for other than its intended purpose: a fine of not more than SAR 50,000, or a ban from entering competitions for temporary work for Hajj and Umrah services for a period of not more than 5 years, or both. In all cases the violator is required to pay an amount equal to the gains obtained from the violation.
- An incorrect address, data or documents submitted through the Ministry's website, or proof that the establishment's premises were closed during the season: a fine of not more than SAR 15,000.
- Violating any other provision of the Regulation for which no penalty is provided in the two preceding paragraphs: a fine of not more than SAR 5,000.
In all three categories the penalty multiplies with the number of violations, so each violation incurs its own penalty. The figures stated are upper limits, and the appropriate penalty is decided by the standing committee under Article 21. The first category requires that the sale, assignment or misuse be proven.
Anyone against whom a violation is recorded may consult a lawyer specializing in recruitment and visa regulations.
Practical example
An establishment approved for Umrah services sold three temporary work visas to another, unapproved establishment and obtained SAR 9,000 in return. If this is proven, it may be punished for each visa with a fine of not more than SAR 50,000, or a ban from competitions for not more than 5 years, or both, and it is required to pay an amount equal to the SAR 9,000 it gained.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 20 of the Saudi Temporary Work Visa Regulation
What is the penalty for selling a temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services?
A fine of not more than SAR 50,000, or a ban from entering the related competitions for not more than 5 years, or both, with payment of an amount equal to the gains obtained.
What is the fine for giving incorrect data or an incorrect address in a visa application?
A fine of not more than SAR 15,000, which also applies where the establishment's premises are proven to be closed during the season.
Does the fine multiply with the number of violations?
Yes. The article provides that the penalty multiplies with the number of violations in all its paragraphs.
What is the penalty for other violations of the Regulation?
A fine of not more than SAR 5,000 for each violation for which no penalty is provided in the first and second paragraphs.
More articles on Penalties for Violating Temporary Work Visas
- Article 19
Article 19 refers the penalties for violating the provisions of the temporary work visa to the penalties in the Labor Law and other relevant laws.
توقع على مخالفي الأحكام الخاصة بتأشيرة العمل المؤقت العقوبات المنصوص عليها في نظام العمل، وغيره من الأنظمة ذات العلاقة.
- Article 21
Article 21 provides for one or more standing committees, formed by decision of the Minister, to consider violations of the Hajj and Umrah services visa and impose penalties, with a grievance before the competent court permitted.
تشكل بقرار من الوزير لجنة دائمة -أو أكثر- برئاسة ممثل من الوزارة، وعضوية ممثلين من: (وزارة الداخلية، ووزارة الخارجية، ووزارة المالية، وهيئة الرقابة ومكافحة الفس
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.