Qiwa to Automatically Remove Workers from Establishment Records Starting July 1 if Work Permits Expired for Over 3 Months – Saudi Employers Urged to Act Before Deadline

Qiwa to automatically remove workers from July 1 if work permits expired over 3 months

Riyadh, 28 June 2026 — Saudi employers have only two days left to rectify the status of foreign workers with expired work permits. From Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Qiwa platform will begin automatically removing workers from company records if their work permits have remained expired for more than three months.

The move is part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s efforts to strengthen compliance and regularise the labour market.

Key Details of the New Qiwa Rule

• Automatic Removal: Starting July 1, any worker whose work permit has been expired for more than three months will be removed from the establishment’s records.

• Employer Liability: Companies will remain responsible for all outstanding financial obligations (including fees and fines) accrued during the period the worker was employed without a valid permit.

• Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, is the final day for employers to renew work permits or transfer employee services.

Qiwa has urged all employers to complete the necessary procedures before the deadline to avoid legal action and financial liabilities.

Important Exception

A worker will not be removed from the establishment’s records in cases where:

• The work permit expiry date differs from the residency (Iqama) permit expiry date, and

• The residency permit remains valid for at least 180 days.

However, if the residency permit has less than 180 days of validity remaining, both the residency and work permits must be renewed to avoid removal and further penalties.

Why This Matters for Employers and Workers

This new enforcement measure aims to:

• Reduce the number of workers operating with expired permits

• Encourage timely renewal and compliance

• Protect the rights and legal status of foreign workers

Employers who fail to act risk accumulating significant fines and losing access to their workforce. Workers with expired permits face the risk of being removed from their sponsor’s records, which can lead to legal complications and potential deportation proceedings.

What Employers Should Do Before June 30

1. Check the status of all foreign employees’ work permits on the Qiwa platform.

2. Renew expired work permits immediately or initiate a transfer of services.

3. Settle any outstanding fees related to work permits.

4. Ensure residency (Iqama) permits are also valid for at least 180 days where possible.

Qiwa Platform Advice: Employers are strongly encouraged to regularise the status of affected employees before the deadline to avoid automatic removal and associated penalties.

For the latest Saudi Arabia work permit updates, Qiwa platform rules, and 2026 labour law changes, visit: visasupdate.com/news

Related Reading:

• Saudi Arabia Premium Residency Holders Now Require Work Permits

• UAE Labour Accommodation Standards 2026

This latest enforcement by Qiwa reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to modernise its labour market and ensure full compliance with work permit regulations. Employers and foreign workers are advised to act quickly before the July 1 deadline to avoid complications.