On 13 November 2012, the Saudi Labor Ministry announced that starting from 15 November 2012, all private sector firms that employ more foreigner than Saudis are subjected to a fine of SR2400 (US$640) per year, for every extra foreigner employed.
The following foreign citizens are not counted as foreigners according to this regulation:
- citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council members,
- children of Saudi mothers,
- domestic helpers.