The Qwa platform and expired work permits: Your comprehensive guide to the 2026 decisions

In a strategic move aimed at regulating the Saudi labor market and enhancing transparency, the Qiwa platform, affiliated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, issued a decisive and detailed clarification regarding the handling of expired work permits for expatriate workers. The platform confirmed that, starting June 30, 2026, strict procedures will be implemented, including the automatic termination of all employees in establishments whose residency and work permits have expired, thus placing new legal and financial responsibilities on employers.

Details of the decisions made by the Qiwa platform regarding expired work permits

The Quwa platform clarified the new mechanism that will be followed to deal with workers whose work permits expire, which is as follows:

• Termination of the worker after 3 months: The worker will be automatically removed from the establishment's records if his work permit remains expired for three consecutive months without renewal.
• Financial obligations remain: When a worker is automatically removed from the system by the platform, the employer will not be exempt from fees. The establishment will bear all financial obligations accrued by the worker throughout the duration of the work permit and up to the date of their actual removal from the system.
• Valid residency status: If the resident identity card (residence permit) is valid for more than 180 days, but the work permit has expired (due to the difference in the expiry date of the residency permit from the work permit), the worker will not be dropped from the establishment.
• the near-expiration of the residency permit: If the residency permit is valid for less than 180 days and the work permit has expired, the employer must immediately initiate the renewal of the residency permit and the work permit together to avoid any subsequent regulatory procedures or termination of the worker.

General context and digital transformation in the Saudi labor market

These decisions come within the context of the comprehensive digital transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of the Vision 2030 objectives. Since launching the “Qiwa” platform, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has sought to automate all labor services, reduce human intervention, and eliminate distortions in the labor market such as undocumented workers and commercial concealment. Setting June 30, 2026, as the final deadline reflects the commitment of the relevant authorities to grant employers a sufficient transition period to rectify the status of their employees and settle any outstanding financial dues, thus ensuring a smooth transition to a work environment free of violations.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

This announcement carries great importance and has multi-dimensional effects at the local, regional and international levels:

• At the local level, the decision will help protect workers' rights and prevent businesses from accumulating debt. It will also compel companies to renew official documents on time, thereby increasing compliance with labor regulations and creating a fair competitive environment between companies that pay fees and those that evade them.
• At the regional and international levels, this measure enhances Saudi Arabia's standing in international labor indices. By implementing rigorous electronic systems that prevent the exploitation of workers or leaving them without legal protection, the Kingdom sends a strong message to the international community and human rights organizations about its commitment to providing a safe and stable work environment. This, in turn, makes the Saudi market more attractive to global talent and foreign investment seeking markets with high regulatory transparency.

Tips and guidelines for employers and employees

In closing, the Qiwa platform offered a crucial piece of advice to employers and establishments: promptly settle any outstanding financial obligations related to work permits. It also encouraged workers whose employers are unable to renew their permits to utilize the job transfer service to a new employer. This service ensures their continued employment legally and safeguards their financial and professional rights. Early preparation for these changes is key to avoiding fines and suspensions that could disrupt business operations.