Saudi Arabia has announced a new policy on its Qiwa platform, granting foreign workers a 60-day grace period after their contracts end before they can be officially classified as “absent from work.”
This adjustment, effective July 31, 2025, is designed to give workers more time to either transfer to a new employer, return to their previous job, or leave the country legally, provided their Iqama (residency permit) remains valid during this period.
Previously, employers could immediately mark a worker as absent once a contract ended. Now, they must wait two months, as long as the worker’s Iqama is valid for at least 60 days after termination. This change aims to provide both employees and employers with a clearer, fairer process during the often-uncertain post-contract period.
Key Points of the New Rule:
- Employers are required to wait 60 days before reporting a worker as absent, but only if the worker’s Iqama is valid for the entire period.
- The grace period is managed digitally through the Qiwa platform, which is linked to the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Interior.
- If the Iqama is set to expire in less than 60 days, the absence reporting feature cannot be used.
What Can Workers Do During the Grace Period?
Foreign workers now have two months to make important decisions. They can rejoin their previous employer (if invited), transfer their sponsorship to another company using Qiwa, or leave Saudi Arabia through legal channels. If no action is taken within the 60 days, the system will automatically update their status to “absent from work,” remove them from the employer’s records, and notify the authorities.
Im working in jeddah from last 3 years and honestly its a chut*** country with chut*** rules. Dont come here instead go to europe germany
This rules is better for forgion but all most forgioner is villad iqama up to 5/6 months and Kapil give it haroof. I think this is a not better job. I respected the KSA one is the holy place and also we earn money. I hope KSA is announced more better rules for foreigners.
Hi Hau R UIM from Pakistan I Need Job I am IM Good Driver I want a job in Saudi Arabia I first in Saudi Arabia 5 years passed Right now i’m in Pakistan
I am looking for a job
Good morning I’m waiting ncms I cam 3 month before company system is very poor my duty hours weekly 48 so I came join there to project working not a properly timing salary game long time duty and too much difficult problem . So I am giving resign my professional period but company say you pay 6500 then you go home your ticket how to possible I am pay Indian agency show I am giving design already 1 month finish and my professional period also finish this people giving one kind of letter and pressure for me sign and go home but I am not agree because I am pay my position is chief cook my visa category kitchen worker agency before not tell him agency before not giving any kind of letter for India so please I need to help I need to go home l I am giving resign then this people send me another place please for camp near the judal
Rony paul Gomes
I have to work in this platform inshallah and I earn money
Ok
But if as usual Employer (DIRTY MINDED KAFEEL) Declares the Foriegner HAROOB (Absconder from Work) What a Foriegner Do To File Complaint in Labor Ministry is there Self Support to Protect Foreigners Legal Contractual Rights??**