The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Launches Status Regularization Program for Yemeni Workers

• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a two-month program that allows eligible Yemeni workers with expired residency permits or absence-from-work reports to regularize their status and transfer to new employers via the Qiwa and Musaned platforms.  

Saudi Arabia Begins Status Regularization Process for Yemeni Workers 

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a program to regularize the status of eligible Yemeni nationals in Saudi Arabia who currently lack legal status. The initiative is being implemented through the Qiwa and Musaned platforms in coordination with other government agencies.  

The program began on Oct. 11, 2026 and will remain available for two months across all regions of Saudi Arabia.  

Who Is Eligible? 

The regularization process applies to Yemeni workers who: 

• Have expired residency permits; or 
• Have been reported absent from work; 
• Hold valid travel documents and meet the applicable regulatory requirements.  

Employer Transfer Options Available 

Under the initiative, eligible workers with expired residency permits may transfer to new employers seeking their services through government-approved digital platforms.  

The process will be managed through: 

• Qiwa for professional workers; and 
• Musaned for domestic and support workers.  

The ministry stated that these services are integrated with the Absher platform, allowing applicants to complete the process electronically without visiting government offices in person.  

Workers Reported Absent May Also Participate 

The ministry confirmed that eligible Yemeni workers whose employers have reported them absent from work may also benefit from the program. These individuals may:

• Request cancellation of absence reports; and 
• Transfer to a new employer through the applicable platform, 

provided they possess valid travel documents and satisfy the required conditions. 

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