Calling in sick when you’re not ill might seem harmless to many employees, but in Saudi Arabia, it could now land you in serious legal trouble. Officials have announced strict new measures against fake sick leave reports, with penalties of up to SR100,000 (around £19,650) or even one year in prison.

The crackdown comes after reports of a growing underground market for “illegal” medical leave notes being shared on social media. The Ministry of Health has now warned both workers and doctors that fraudulent sick leave will no longer be tolerated.

New monitoring system introduced

To combat abuse of the system, Saudi authorities have rolled out a digital monitoring platform that verifies medical leave records in real time. The new system is designed to catch false claims quickly, reducing fraudulent requests that impact productivity.

Officials stressed that the only legitimate source for sick leave is through the Sehhaty platform, a government-authorized service. Any note obtained elsewhere will be considered invalid and could trigger legal action against both the employee and the healthcare professional involved.

Doctors who issue false medical notes may also face disciplinary measures and legal prosecution, underlining the government’s zero-tolerance stance.

Why the crackdown matters

In the UK, surveys show that around 68 percent of workers admit to faking illness at least once to avoid work, whether for self-care, errands, or simply dodging virtual meetings. Businesses can face steep costs, with estimates suggesting lost productivity from sick leave can cost up to £45,000 per year for a single employer.

Saudi Arabia’s new law aims to protect businesses from similar economic losses while reinforcing professional ethics within healthcare.

A cultural context

The announcement has also sparked interest from expats and travelers curious about life in Saudi Arabia, a country often misunderstood in Western media.

British expat Inayah Sadiq, who lived in Saudi Arabia for 15 years, told Daily Mail Travel that she highly recommends the kingdom as a holiday destination despite its strict rules.

“Saudi Arabia is an incredibly safe country, and I’d encourage people not to believe everything they see in the media,” she said. “Saudi people are some of the most hospitable and welcoming you’ll ever meet.”

She explained that violent crime is rare, police presence is strong, and visitors who respect cultural etiquette generally feel safe and welcomed.

Etiquette and misconceptions

Inayah also shared some key etiquette rules for travelers:

  • Respect local dress codes, particularly in religious areas.
  • Avoid public displays of affection.
  • Learn a few phrases of Arabic as a sign of respect.
  • Remember that alcohol is banned.
  • Friday is a holy day, so many businesses may be closed.
  • Always ask permission before photographing people.

While alcohol restrictions and cultural conservatism are often highlighted in the media, Inayah insists these don’t diminish the experience of visiting the country. Instead, she recommends focusing on Saudi Arabia’s unique history, architecture, food, and hospitality.

A balancing act

The government’s tough stance on sick leave fraud highlights Saudi Arabia’s broader push to modernize its workforce and improve efficiency while also showcasing its cultural heritage to the outside world.

For workers inside the country, though, the message is clear: pulling a fake sick day could cost far more than just your wages.

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