For decades, the rule for expats in Saudi Arabia was simple and strict: You work only for your sponsor (Kafeel). Working for anyone else was a one-way ticket to deportation.
In 2026, the landscape has changed—but not as much as some TikTok "gurus" might tell you. While the Kingdom has introduced flexible work options like Ajeer and Remote Work regulations, the penalties for illegal labor (working "cash in hand") are more severe than ever, with fines reaching SAR 50,000 and instant deportation.
If you are an expat resident (holding a standard Iqama) looking to supplement your income, you must navigate a minefield of regulations. This guide details exactly how to work part-time legally, avoiding the common traps that catch thousands of expats every year.
The Only Legal Route: The "Ajeer" System
If you are employed by Company A but want to do evening work for Company B, you cannot simply sign a contract with Company B. This is illegal.
The only legal mechanism is Ajeer (Temporary Work Permit). This is a government system that allows your main employer (Company A) to "lend" your services to Company B for a specific period.
How it Works in Practice:
- Consent is King: You must have the written approval of your current sponsor. Without this, no legal part-time work is possible.
- The Contract: The secondary employer (Company B) initiates a "Temporary Work Notice" via the Ajeer portal.
- Fees: Company B pays a fee for this permit.
- Legality: Once issued, you can legally work at Company B's premises. If labor inspectors raid the office, you simply show your Ajeer permit, and you are safe.
Who is this for? Engineers, accountants, and IT specialists often use this to consult on short-term projects for other firms.
The "Dependents" Loophole (Ajeer for Dependents)
This is the biggest opportunity in the 2026 labor market. If you are sponsoring your wife or daughter on a "Dependent Visa," they can legally work without transferring their sponsorship to a company.
The "Ajeer for Dependents" permit allows dependents to work in specific sectors—primarily Education (schools) and Healthcare.
The "Freelance" Myth: Warning for Expats
You will often hear about the "Freelance Certificate" (Wtheeqa). Be very careful here.
- For Saudi Nationals: Wtheeqa allows them to work freely as freelancers.
- For Premium Residents: Expats with the new "Premium Residency" can also freelance freely.
- For Standard Expats (You): Holding a Wtheeqa certificate does NOT override your Iqama restrictions. You cannot use a freelance certificate to justify working for other local companies without Ajeer. Doing so is a violation of Labor Law Article 39.
Gig Apps: Sabbar, Marn, & Dali
You may see ads for apps like Sabbar or Marn offering hourly shift work in cafes or retail. The Reality: These platforms are almost exclusively for Saudi Nationals. They are linked to the National ID system. As an expat, you generally cannot register or work through these apps unless you have specific "Special Expat" status or are a dependent with an Ajeer permit linked to that specific platform (which is rare).
The Safe Zone: Remote Work for Foreign Clients
What if you want to work part-time for a company in London or Dubai from your laptop in Riyadh?
This falls into a legal "gray zone" that is generally tolerated, provided:
- No Local Transaction: The money is paid to your offshore bank account (or PayPal), not a Saudi account.
- No Local Competition: You are not soliciting clients inside Saudi Arabia (which would require a local license).
- Primary Job First: Your performance at your main Saudi job must not suffer.
Note: This is technically not "employment" inside the Kingdom, so it usually bypasses Ministry of Human Resources jurisdiction, provided you keep a low profile.
Summary: Your 2026 Checklist
| Scenario | Legal Path | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Working for another Saudi Company | Ajeer Permit (Requires Sponsor Approval) | Safe (If documented) |
| Wife/Daughter working in School | Ajeer for Dependents | Safe |
| Online Freelancing (Upwork/Fiverr) | None (Foreign Income) | Low Risk (Gray Area) |
| Cash-in-hand Job (No Contract) | None - ILLEGAL | High Risk (Deportation) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the penalty for working part-time illegally? A: Penalties include a fine of up to SAR 50,000, immediate deportation, and a permanent ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia. Your sponsor may also be fined.
Q: Can I drive for Uber or Careem as an expat part-time? A: Generally, no. Ride-sharing regulations in Saudi Arabia restrict these jobs primarily to Saudi nationals. Expats found driving passengers for money can face traffic police penalties and Iqama violation charges.
Q: My sponsor refuses to give me an Ajeer permit. What can I do? A: Legally, nothing. The Ajeer system is built on the consent of the primary employer. If they refuse, you cannot legally work for another local company.
