The Ministry of Labor has raided several businesses here to check expatriates’ residence and work permits, and whether Saudis are being employed as required by the law.

Abdul Monem Al-Shahery, director general of the ministry in Makkah, said that the raids were carried out throughout the week. He said the inspectors had checked businesses in the industrial areas and at the corniche.

“We may be silent but are actively carrying out our strategic plan to eliminate the problem of employment violations committed by expatriate workers and Saudi citizens,” said Al-Shahery.

He said 30 inspectors had on Thursday raided several businesses in the city. They found some expatriates were doing jobs not specified on their iqamas and others working in positions designated for Saudis.

He said ministry officials are also checking to see whether Saudis registered as employees at certain businesses were actually working there.

“We have the data of every business organization that employs Saudi and non-Saudi employees. Our teams are closely monitoring whether these listed Saudi citizens are actually doing these jobs,” said Al-Shahery.

The official said the ministry plans to prosecute those found breaking the law, whether they are expatriates or Saudi business owners. He said police officers had accompanied the labor ministry officials on their raids.

The ministry is using a global positioning system to identify businesses that it plans to raid, official sources told Arab News.