The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has moved to grant fuel stations and car service centers a two-year grace period to correct their employees’ status in line with the new regulations.

The ministry said in a report that six ministries will oversee the work of status correction and monitor its compliance with the rulings.

The six entities include the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Interior and the ministries of Transport, Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Commerce and Industry, and Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, in addition to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.

These ministries will coordinate to address any violations of the status correction process. Violations of safety regulations will be dealt with according to the system of penalties laid out by the civil defense. Other punitive actions will be taken in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers.

The move comes at a time when there is a nationwide crackdown on illegal workers employed in various companies in the private sector. Saudi Arabia intends to create more jobs for its citizens while retaining only those expatriates who have appropriate documentation to live and work in the Kingdom.