In a significant move to enhance labor market compliance, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced an extension of the grace period for employers to rectify the status of expatriate workers with expired work permits until the end of 2026. This extension also applies to workers who have not received work permits within six months of their employment. The ministry emphasized that this decision aims to fortify adherence to labor regulations, safeguarding the rights of both employers and employees while providing necessary time for legal processes to be completed. The initiative follows positive feedback from various establishments and workers who have already begun to regularize their employment status. Employers are urged to take action before the deadline, as failure to rectify workers' statuses will lead to the enforcement of relevant legal measures. This announcement comes shortly after the Qiwa platform indicated that workers with expired permits would be automatically removed from employers' records starting July 1 if their permits had been expired for over three months. Under Qiwa's framework, employers remain accountable for any financial obligations incurred while employing workers without valid permits, even after their records are purged. Qiwa has advised employers to settle outstanding fees and complete necessary procedures to avoid potential legal repercussions and financial penalties.
Source: Saudi Gazette
