Qiwa Work Permit Deadline Saudi Arabia: New Update

Qiwa Work Permit Deadline: Saudi Arabia has issued an important reminder for employers and expatriate workers regarding expired work permits. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) through the Qiwa platform, June 30 is the final day for employers to renew eligible expired work permits or complete employee service transfers. Beginning July 1, Qiwa will start automatically removing certain workers from employers’ records if their work permits have remained expired for more than three months.

What Has Changed?

The latest announcement focuses on stricter enforcement of existing labor regulations through the Qiwa platform.

The most important change is that employers who leave employees with work permits expired for more than three months risk having those workers automatically removed from their establishment’s records starting July 1.

This measure is intended to improve compliance, maintain accurate labor records, and encourage timely renewal of work permits.

Important Dates

Date	What Happens
June 30	Final day to renew eligible expired work permits or transfer employee services.
July 1 onwards	Automatic removal process begins for workers whose permits have been expired for more than three months.

Why This Matters for Expat Workers?

Many expatriates believe work permit renewal is only their employer’s responsibility. While employers are legally responsible for renewal, expired permits can still affect workers in several ways.

Possible consequences include:

Employment record complications
Delays in labor-related services
Problems during employer transfers
Administrative issues with employment records
Uncertainty regarding legal employment status

Although employees do not usually submit work permit renewals themselves, they should regularly confirm that their employer has completed the renewal process.

Why Employers Should Act Immediately?

Employers should not wait until the last moment because several administrative steps may be required before renewal is completed.

If action is not taken before the deadline:

Workers may be removed from the company’s records.
Outstanding work permit fees will still remain payable.
The employer may face additional legal or administrative consequences.
Future labor transactions could become more complicated.

What Happens After July 1?

If a work permit has remained expired for more than three months, Qiwa may automatically cancel the employee’s registration under the employer’s establishment.

However, removal from company records does not automatically erase outstanding financial obligations. Employers remain responsible for unpaid fees accumulated during the period the employee worked without a valid permit.

Exception to the Rule

Not every expired work permit results in automatic removal. Qiwa has clarified an important exception.

A worker may not be removed if:

the work permit expiry date differs from the Iqama (residency permit) expiry date, and
the Iqama remains valid for at least 180 days, even if the work permit cannot currently be renewed.

If the remaining Iqama validity is less than 180 days, the employer should renew both the Iqama and the work permit to avoid further procedures.

Comparison: Before and After the Deadline

Before June 30	From July 1
Employers can renew expired permits or transfer services.	Automatic removal procedures may begin.
Employee records remain active if compliance is completed.	Workers with permits expired for over three months may be removed.
Outstanding fees should be settled before renewal.	Employers remain liable for unpaid fees even after removal.

How Employers Can Renew Work Permits?

Renewal is completed through the Qiwa platform.

The general process includes:

Log in to the Qiwa Business account.
Open the Work Permits service.
Select employees requiring renewal.
Choose the renewal period.
Review the calculated fees.
Complete payment through the available payment method.
Confirm the renewal request.

Practical Tips for Expat Employees

Although employers handle renewals, expatriates can protect themselves by taking a few simple steps.

Ask your employer whether your work permit has been renewed.
Check your employment information through official government platforms when available.
Keep copies of employment documents.
Report any discrepancies early instead of waiting until renewal deadlines.
Maintain communication with your employer’s HR department.

Best Practices Going Forward

To avoid similar issues in the future:

Track work permit expiry dates well in advance.
Renew permits before they expire.
Regularly review employee records in Qiwa.
Coordinate work permit renewal with Iqama validity.
Keep all labor records updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this deadline affect all expatriate workers?

The announcement mainly affects workers whose work permits have remained expired for more than three months. Employees with valid permits are not affected.

Will an employee automatically lose legal status after July 1?

The announcement specifically concerns removal from an employer’s records in Qiwa. Individual immigration or residency status depends on other applicable regulations and should be assessed separately.

Who is responsible for renewing a work permit?

The employer is responsible for issuing and renewing work permits through the Qiwa platform.

Can employers renew work permits before they expire?

Yes. Qiwa allows employers to renew work permits before expiry when the remaining validity falls within the permitted renewal period.

What if the employee’s Iqama is still valid?

If the Iqama remains valid for at least 180 days and meets the stated conditions, the employee may qualify for the exception explained by Qiwa.

Final Thoughts

The June 30 deadline serves as an important compliance reminder for employers operating in Saudi Arabia. Timely work permit renewal helps businesses avoid administrative complications while ensuring expatriate employees continue working under valid authorization.

Both employers and workers should verify that employment records, work permits, and residency documents are up to date. Taking action before the deadline is the safest way to avoid unnecessary delays, financial liabilities, and labor record issues.

Also read: Saudi Arabia Occupational Fitness Assessment for Workers