Saudi Ministry of Commerce Cracks Down on Unauthorized E-commerce Training

The Saudi Ministry of Commerce identified foreign workers who had left their sponsors without authorization and were setting up and operating online stores for personal gain after being trained at an unauthorized facility in Riyadh. This facility was managed by a foreign investor and two residents, operating in violation of regulations. Following the ministry's findings, a joint operation was conducted with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Riyadh Region Police's field enforcement authorities at the facility in Riyadh’s Al-Batha district. The facility was offering training on establishing and operating online stores without the necessary licenses, charging SR300 per violator, and falsely promising an international certificate in e-commerce. Authorities apprehended the violators and initiated legal proceedings against them. The two residents involved were referred to the relevant authorities, while the foreign investor was directed to the Ministry of Investment for further legal action and penalties.