Saudi Arabia Makes It Easier for Foreign Workers to Change Jobs

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.