Saudi Arabia: 60-Day Grace Period Introduced for Expired Contracts

Key Point 

• Saudi Arabia now offers foreign nationals a 60-day window to act after contract expiration 

Qiwa Grace Period  

Saudi Arabia now grants non-Saudi workers a 60-day grace period after contract expiration. Foreign nationals whose contracts are not renewed will be listed in Qiwa as “Disconnected from Work” for 60 days. During this time, they may: 

• Renew with their current employer 
• Transfer sponsorship via Qiwa 
• Exit the Kingdom 

After 60 days, Qiwa will update the status to “Absent from Work,” triggering automatic removal from employer and GOSI records, loss of transfer eligibility, and potential departure requirements. 

Notably, workers may transfer to a new employer without their current employer’s consent if they complete the transfer within the grace period. 

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