Foreigners visiting Saudi have been prohibited from posting advertisements on social media without a license. Those who will violate the rule will possibly face five years of prison and fines of SR 5 million.

On Wednesday, the Saudi General Authority for Audiovisual Media announced the ban. The authority says they have monitored violations on social media platforms by many non-Saudi advertisers including both residents and visitors.

After going through the data, the authority found out that these foreigners have committed systematic violations which include a lack of legal licenses and commercial registrations.

So as a part of this rule, commercial establishments will be told not to invite foreign advertisers to their events to market products, goods, and services. The establishments will also be advised not to deal with or advertise with these non-Saudi advertisers.

As quoted by Arab News, the commission said, “This comes within the framework of organizing advertising work in Saudi Arabia in accordance with the audiovisual media laws, the Electronic Commerce Law, and the relevant laws and regulations,”

In continuation, “including the Labor Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/51 dated Shaban 23, 1426, of which article 33 stipulates that a non-Saudi may not practice work and may not be allowed to engage in it except after obtaining a license.”

The approvals will only be granted to those working in a commercial entity. Although, they need a license and legal documents which authorises them to practice commercial advertising on social media platforms.

Those who breach the regulations will have to pay a hefty fine and may also face imprisonment.