Saudi Arabia introduces flexible residency renewal for domestic workers

July 19, 2026 | 05:41 PM

July 19, 2026 | 05:41 PM

Saudi Gazette

Last Updated: July 19, 2026 | 05:41 PM

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RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has introduced more flexible residency permit (iqama) renewal options for domestic workers, allowing employers to issue or renew permits for periods starting from three months through the Absher platform.

The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), announced the initiative in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Musaned platform.

Under the new service, employers can now issue or renew residency permits for domestic workers and those in similar categories for periods of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, or 24 months. Previously, renewals were limited to one or two years.

The ministry said the new option enables employers to pay residency fees only for the selected period, allowing payments to be made on a quarterly basis for permits issued or renewed for three months or multiples of three.

The move is intended to provide greater flexibility in managing employers' financial obligations while meeting the varying needs of beneficiaries.

The ministry said the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to enhance residency-related services, improve the efficiency of government procedures, expand digital services and provide more flexible solutions for employers and domestic workers as part of the Kingdom's digital transformation.