Islamabad, Aug 2, 2025: Saudi Arabia has introduced a new update to its Qiwa digital system, offering foreign workers a 60-day period after their employment contract ends before they can be officially labeled as “absent from work.”
This revised policy, taking effect on July 31, 2025, aims to offer greater flexibility and legal protection for overseas workers. During this time frame, workers can either seek a new job, rejoin their previous organization (if allowed) or exit the Kingdom legally as long as their Iqama (residency permit) stays active throughout the entire period.
Previously, companies could immediately report a worker as “absent” as soon as the job contract concluded. Under the new rule, employers must now wait two months. The change is meant to ensure a more transparent and fair approach for both the employer and the worker during the transitional phase after contract expiration.
Important Aspects
- The 60-day waiting period is mandatory only if the residency permit is valid for the full duration.
- The grace window is processed through the Qiwa system, overseen by the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Interior.
- If the Iqama is due to expire in under 60 days, the option to report absence becomes unavailable.
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Choices for Workers
During this two-month allowance, foreign staff may:
- Resume work with their old employer (upon approval),
- Shift their job sponsorship to another firm via Qiwa,
- Or legally depart the country.
If no step is taken within 60 days, the platform will automatically label the individual as “absent from work,” remove them from the company’s registry and notify government bodies accordingly.
