The ministry announced via Twitter that the workers had been suspended in relation to a variety of corruption charges, including financial and managerial corruption, abuse of power and other legal and criminal violations.

Those charged will be transferred to the prosecutor's office, where a specialised team of investigators will look into their case, it added.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia arrested dozens of royal figures, ministers and businessmen in November 2017, following a crackdown on corruption announced by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Most were released after reaching financial settlements with the government or being exonerated.

Last year, specialised departments in the public prosecutor’s office were set up by the ruler to accelerate the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.

The government said it expected to seize more than $100bn in the corruption crackdown.