Foreign workers arrested for tasattur in Jeddah
The National Program to Combat Commercial Concealment (tasattur) revealed 15 cases of tasattur during its rigorous inspections of the primary vegetable market and other public utility markets within the Jeddah governorate. Multiple offenders were apprehended, and legal actions were initiated against the establishments implicated in these violations.
Joint teams comprising officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development spearheaded raids on various public utility markets. These encompassed commercial entities, sales outlets, and stalls. The operation resulted in the seizure of 15 suspected cases of cover-up and breaches of Saudization regulations in the fruit and vegetable sector. Authorities promptly summoned the perpetrators to commence legal proceedings against them.
The inspection teams diligently scrutinized commercial records, municipal licenses, permits requisite for conducting business activities, and labor permits to ascertain the absence of illegal residents in employment. This meticulous verification process aims to ensure compliance with labor laws and prevent the exploitation of undocumented workers.
Under the Anti-Commercial Concealment Law, individuals found guilty of tasattur face severe penalties, including imprisonment for a maximum of five years, fines of up to SR5 million, and the confiscation of illicit funds following conclusive judicial verdicts. These stringent measures underscore the government’s resolve to combat illicit commercial practices and uphold the integrity of the labor market.
This crackdown underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to combating commercial concealment and ensuring the adherence of businesses to legal and regulatory frameworks. By enforcing stringent penalties, authorities seek to deter potential offenders and safeguard the rights of both workers and legitimate business entities operating within the kingdom.
