Media Regulation Authority summons influencers working illegally in Saudi Arabia for questioning. Those who had done illegal promotion in various languages were summoned within a month. Action has also been initiated on complaints filed by licensed Saudi influencers and institutions. It is illegal to provide a promotional video in Saudi Arabia without a license.
Previously only Saudis were allowed in this field. At present, foreigners are also granted licenses with strict conditions. The annual fee is fifteen thousand riyals. It should be renewed every year by paying fifteen thousand riyals. The authority will monitor their social media accounts. The authority will verify the details of the advertisements served. Actions can also be taken if the privacy of organizations or individuals is compromised.
At present, the authority is monitoring and summoning foreigners who do not follow these rules. The authority will record the information and documents of those who are not aware of the rules and release them with a warning. If repeated, a fine of up to thirty thousand riyals and imprisonment will be imposed. They will be handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs and deported for illegal employment.
If the promoter is on a dependent visa, the sponsoring family head will also be called. Foreign television channels can operate in Saudi Arabia with a license from the General Authority for Media Regulation. This is a must for any type of video presentations and social media promotion by foreigners.
