Sigh of relief for foreign workers in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced recently that it will now issue and renew residency permits to expatriates on a quarterly basis. The change has been welcomed by expatriates as it will reduce their financial burden.

The ministry, represented by the General Directorate of Passports and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, implemented the change to implement the Cabinet’s last year decision.

The new mechanism will help employers renew residency and work permits for three, six, nine, and twelve months with the new mechanism. This change does not apply to domestic workers.

Jawazat clarified that the new service is available on the online platforms for Absher Individual, Absher Business, and Muqeem.
According to the HR ministry, work permit services can be obtained through the Qiwa Platform and the electronic labor services portal.

An Egyptian expatriate living in Riyadh said: “This quarterly payment is a very good thing for expatriates and their families.”. Expats have to pay the levy annually before they can renew their iqama. Their financial burden will be reduced if they can pay every three months.”

“This service is a big relief for expats because many are unable to pay such a huge amount at once,” said Mohammed Arshad Ali Khan, a teacher at the International Indian Public School in Riyadh. Quarterly payments will now make it easier. The Saudi authorities deserve credit for making such a favorable decision.”