Saudi Arabia has issued an important reminder to employers, urging them to renew expired work permits or complete employee service transfers before the June 30 deadline. The move is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to strengthen labor market compliance and ensure employers meet their legal responsibilities.
The advisory was issued through the Qiwa platform, which manages employment-related services in Saudi Arabia. Employers have been warned that failure to take action before the deadline could result in legal and financial consequences.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, a new policy will come into effect on July 1. Under the updated regulations, Qiwa will automatically remove employees from an employer’s records if their work permits have remained expired for more than three months.
Although workers will be removed from the employer’s records, the ministry clarified that employers will not be relieved of their financial obligations. Companies will continue to be responsible for all unpaid work permit fees and any other financial liabilities accumulated during the period an employee continued working without a valid permit.
The latest measure is intended to improve compliance with Saudi Arabia’s labor laws while encouraging businesses to maintain accurate employment records. Authorities believe the policy will help create a more transparent labor market and reduce violations related to expired work permits.
Employers are therefore advised to review the status of all foreign workers under their sponsorship and complete the necessary renewal or transfer procedures before the June 30 deadline. Taking timely action can help businesses avoid penalties, administrative complications, and additional financial costs.
The announcement is particularly important for companies employing large numbers of expatriate workers, including many Pakistani professionals working across various sectors in Saudi Arabia. Ensuring valid work permits not only protects employers from legal issues but also safeguards employees’ legal status in the Kingdom.
As Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its labor regulations through digital platforms like Qiwa, businesses are expected to remain proactive in meeting compliance requirements. Employers who act before the deadline can avoid unnecessary disruptions while maintaining smooth workforce management.
