Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has launched an initiative offering a 60-day grace period for foreign workers who have fled their employers to fix their status. The program, effective from December 1, gives workers the chance to transfer their employment to another company, helping them avoid penalties for their absence.
Through the Qiwa platform, workers who have been marked absent can use this window, which ends on January 29, 2025, to secure a new employer. The platform encourages eligible workers to act swiftly, ensuring they complete their transfers before the deadline.
This move is designed to promote stability in the labor market, offering an opportunity for workers to rectify their status in line with the country’s labor laws. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to digitalize its workforce management systems while protecting the rights of both employees and employers.
In addition to the grace period, Qiwa is now providing services like salary certificates and experience verification, which workers can easily request through their personal accounts. These updates further support the ministry’s commitment to creating a smoother, more transparent working environment for expatriates.
