In response to indications of commercial concealment, the Saudi National Program for Combating Commercial Concealment carried out 5,268 inspection visits across different regions in November 2023. These inspections aimed to ensure that businesses adhere to the established market regulations and to detect any crimes or violations related to commercial concealment.
The inspections targeted various sectors, including retail stores, full-service restaurants, men's salons, general contractors, car repair shops, and others. During these visits, inspectors issued immediate violations, identified cases of suspected commercial concealment, and referred violators to the relevant authorities. If violations were confirmed, penalties could include imprisonment for up to five years, fines up to five million Riyals, and the confiscation of illegal funds following final court judgments.
Additionally, secondary penalties under the law may apply, such as closing the business, liquidating the operation, canceling the commercial registration, prohibiting commercial activities, collecting taxes and duties, public shaming, and deporting non-citizens involved in concealment, with a ban on their re-entry for work purposes in the Kingdom.