Saudi Arabia has issued new guidelines for foreign workers regarding expired Iqama permits, stating that expatriates whose residency permits remain unrenewed for more than three months may be allowed to transfer to a new employer without the approval of their current sponsor under specific conditions.
Under the updated instructions, foreign workers have been advised to renew their Iqama on time through official channels or with the help of their sponsor to avoid legal issues under Saudi labour laws.
Transfer allowed after three months
Saudi authorities said that workers whose Iqama has expired for over three months could become eligible to change sponsors without obtaining consent from their existing employer.
The measure is part of wider labour reforms aimed at improving transparency and protecting the rights of expatriate employees in the Kingdom.
Transfer through Qiwa Platform
According to the procedure, the new employer must first issue a job offer through the official Qiwa Platform, which the worker must accept online.
Once accepted, the sponsorship transfer can proceed if the expired residency permit meets the required duration.
Domestic workers not included
Authorities said that domestic workers are not covered under the new rules as separate regulations apply to that sector.
Workers asked to clear dues
Officials also instructed expatriates to settle all pending financial obligations and dues before starting the transfer process.
Workers were further advised to ensure that no huroob (absconding) report has been filed against them as such a record may affect their eligibility for transfer.
Saudi authorities said the revised regulations are intended to strengthen legal protections for foreign workers while promoting a safer and more transparent work environment.
Strict action announced against illegal Hajj in Saudi Arabia
In another development, the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia has announced strict penalties for individuals performing Hajj without an official permit.
Strict penalties will also be applied on the people who will or are facilitating illegal pilgrims.
The penalties applied will include deportation, heavy fines and long-term entry bans.
The ministry has announced any individual caught attempting to perform or caught performing Hajj will face up to fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals.
These rules will also be applied to holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter, enter and stay in Makkah and the holy sites during Hajj.
Even stronger penalties will be applied to those who are facilitating these violations.
Up to 100,000 Saudi riyals fine can be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for individuals attempting to perform hajj illegally.
The fine can be increased depending upon the violation and the individual.
For anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah or the holy sites the same maximum fine of 100000 riyals will be imposed.
The penalties will also be applied to those who provide any kind of shelter, including hotels, private homes and apartments or any kind of Hajj accommodations. The penalties will also be applied to whoever assists or conceals such individuals.
The fines will be multiplied depending on the number of violators involved.
Penalties other than the financial ones will also be applied. These penalties include deportation and being barred from entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.
It has also been stated by the ministry that the courts might confiscate vehicles used to transport illegal pilgrims.
It has been emphasised by the officials that these measures are intended to ensure the security and safety of Hajj pilgrims. Currently, authorities are working to maintain strict order and control during the Hajj season.
