Saudi Arabia has introduced a new rule on its Qiwa platform, giving foreign workers a 60-day grace period after the end of their employment contracts before they can be officially marked as “absent from work.”
The policy, effective July 31, 2025, is aimed at creating a fairer and more flexible post-contract process, allowing workers more time to transfer to a new employer, rejoin their previous company, or leave the Kingdom legally — provided their Iqama (residency permit) remains valid during the grace period.
Read More: Pakistan Approves Hajj Policy 2026: Cost & Quota Set
-
Employers must now wait 60 days before declaring a worker absent, as long as the worker’s Iqama remains valid for the entire period.
-
The grace period is digitally managed via Qiwa, which is linked to the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Interior.
-
If the worker’s Iqama is set to expire in less than 60 days, the absence reporting option will be disabled.
Read More: US to Charge $250 ‘Integrity Fee’ on Visas
During this two-month window, foreign workers can:
-
Return to their previous employer if invited back.
-
Transfer sponsorship to another employer through Qiwa.
-
Exit Saudi Arabia through legal channels without penalties.
If no action is taken within 60 days, the system will automatically update the worker’s status to “absent from work,” remove them from their employer’s records, and notify authorities
