Saudi Arabia began a 60-day status-correction initiative for Yemeni nationals on October 11, 2026, waiving eligible workers’ accumulated work-permit charges when they move to a new employer. The program covers transfers to a new establishment. The clock has started.
Under the work-permit arrears waiver, the new employer does not take on the worker’s earlier permit debt. Authorities cancel those accumulated charges for eligible cases.
New work-permit and related charges start on the transfer date. That applies even when the worker was never issued an iqama.
The nationwide drive runs for two months. It includes separate procedures for people with employment records, expired visit documents and other status issues.
The program covers workers recorded absent before June 16
The employment pathway is for professional Yemeni workers reported absent from work before June 16, 2026. It covers workers whose absence record is linked to an iqama, as well as those recorded absent who never received one.
Workers in the country with expired iqamas also fall within the listed categories. People holding final-exit visas can qualify if the General Directorate of Passports cancels the visa.
Applicants generally need valid travel documents. A valid Yemeni passport is particularly relevant to using the correction procedures.
Employers must reserve a Qiwa appointment
Employers seeking the work-related route must arrange the transfer through Qiwa. They must:
- Reserve a virtual appointment on the platform.
- Choose “Initiative to Correct the Status of Yemeni Workers Reported as Absent from Work.”
- Complete the approved service-transfer process and meet its requirements.
The waiver applies to qualifying transfers. The new charges are counted from the date the worker joins the new establishment.
Visitors and workers can use separate correction routes
People whose visitor identification documents or visit visas have expired may qualify for a six-month electronic extension. Their biometrics must be registered in Saudi systems, and they need valid passports. The extension does not require a visit to a passport office.
Yemeni residents with expired iqamas and valid travel documents may transfer to employers through Absher, Qiwa or Musaned. The appropriate platform depends on the worker’s category.
Workers who want to leave the country may obtain a final-exit visa without a restriction barring future re-entry. People with an absence report can also cancel it and transfer to another employer. Professional workers use Qiwa; domestic workers use Musaned.
The Passports Directorate lists 23 centers nationwide
The General Directorate of Passports announced 23 centers for the nationwide program. Riyadh has four, while Asir and the Eastern Province have three apiece.
Makkah, Jazan and Al-Jouf each have two. Najran, Madinah, Al-Baha, the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Qassim and Hail each have one.
The program began Sunday, October 11, 2026, and runs for two months. The listed centers span regions from Riyadh to Hail.
