Saudi labour officials have warned tough action against those who defy the mid-day work ban after 78 companies were found violating the rule during a surprise raid in the Eastern Province, said a report

Officials from the ministry's inspection department in the Eastern Province led the campaign in co-operation with the police and the security departments.

The team found that a total of 236 workers were being forced to work under mid-day sun in violation of the labour law, reported the Arab News.

The authorities said the “No working under the Summer Sun” law was in force now mainly due to the health risks involved.

“We want to provide a safe working environment for workers and raise the level of health and safety as a means to reducing the accident rates and injuries,” stated Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Faleh, the director general of the Ministry of Labor in the Eastern province.

He warned that owners would face strict sanctions including the shutting down of their establishments and fines if they were found to be in violation of this law.

A total of 223 people were arrested during the raid, including 116 in violation of the labour law and 107 for breaching the residency permit law (Iqama).