Saudi Arabia: Extended Grace Period for Foreign Workers in Irregular Status

Saudi Arabia has extended until December 31, 2026 the grace period for employers to regularize the status of foreign workers whose work permits expired more than 12 months ago or who were not issued a work permit within six months of joining an establishment. Previously, the deadline was June 30, 2026, after which foreign workers whose work permits had been expired for more than three months were scheduled to be automatically removed from their employers’ records in the Qiwa portal. Employers are advised to review the status of their foreign workforce and, where necessary, renew or obtain work permits before the revised deadline of December 31, 2026. Failure to regularize workers' status by the deadline may result in financial penalties and other compliance consequences. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.