Saudi Arabia 2026 New Rules! Work Permit, Musaned System, Iqama, Huroob & Naya Kanoon Explained

WHAT CHANGED IN 2026 FOR EXPATS

Rule / Change	What It Means (Detail)	Effective Date
Iqama (इकामा / Resident ID) card validity changed to 5 years	The physical plastic card you carry is now printed with a 5-year expiry. But this does NOT mean your residency is valid for 5 years — your digital status on Absher must still be renewed every year or quarterly. Think of it like your ATM card being valid 5 years, but your bank account needs yearly recharge.	2025 rollout, fully active 2026
Flexible Iqama renewal periods introduced	Previously it was only 1-year renewal. Now you (or your employer) can choose to renew for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months depending on need and budget. This helps short-contract workers and employers who don’t want to pay full year upfront.	Since 2022, continues in 2026
Skill-Based Work Permit Tiers launched	Saudi government now classifies foreign workers into tiers based on education, experience, and salary. High-skilled tier (degree + 5 years experience + SAR 15,000/month salary) gets easier renewals and more job mobility. Low-skilled tier faces tighter restrictions and possible seasonal bans. This directly affects whether your work permit gets renewed or not.	Active 2026
Self-Deportation Platform launched by MOI	If you are living illegally in Saudi (overstay, expired Iqama, Huroob), you can voluntarily register on this government platform to leave the country. The benefit is that your re-entry ban will be shorter compared to if police catch you and forcefully deport you. It is a chance to leave with dignity and come back sooner.	Active 2026
Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law (Royal Decree M/14)	Foreigners can now buy and own residential property in Saudi Arabia in designated zones. Makkah and Madinah full areas are excluded. You must get approval from REGA (रेगा / Real Estate General Authority). If your property value is SAR 4 million or more, you can qualify for Premium Residency — meaning you don’t need any employer sponsor.	January 22, 2026
Digital Iqama on Absher app is now legally equal to physical card	You no longer MUST carry the plastic card everywhere. The Iqama shown in your Absher Individuals app on your phone is accepted by police, hospitals, banks, and all government offices as legal ID. But keep your phone charged and Absher app working.	Active 2026
Huroob (हुरूब) system reformed — now called Taghayyub an al-Amal (तग़य्युब / Absence from Work)	The old “runaway” system was very unfair — employer could instantly make you illegal. New system gives worker 60 days grace period to either transfer to new employer, file counter-complaint, or take Final Exit. This is a major improvement for worker rights.	Reforms started 2024, fully active 2026
Stricter enforcement — 19,101 violations caught in one week	Saudi authorities are running aggressive campaigns. Jawazat and police are checking Iqama status, work permit validity, and whether you are working for your actual Kafeel. If caught violating — immediate fine, detention, deportation.	Ongoing Feb 2026
Tighter rules for high-volume nationalities	Countries that send large numbers of workers (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, etc.) face extra scrutiny and sometimes seasonal visa restrictions. This means your visa/renewal may take longer or face temporary suspension depending on your nationality.	Active 2026
Renewal from abroad now allowed	Your employer can renew your Iqama even if you are currently outside Saudi Arabia — for example, if you went on vacation and your Iqama is expiring. But two conditions must be met: your work permit must be active AND your medical insurance must be valid.	Active 2026

IQAMA (इकामा) — COMPLETE RULES 2026

Rule / Topic	Detail
What is Iqama	Iqama (इकामा / إقامة) is the official Resident ID card for every foreigner living and working in Saudi Arabia. It is your most important document after your passport. Without a valid Iqama, you are considered illegal in the Kingdom.
Physical card validity	The plastic Muqeem card is now issued with 5-year validity. You do not need to get a new card printed every year.
Digital validity (THIS IS WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS)	Despite the 5-year card, your legal residency status must be renewed every year or quarterly through Absher/Muqeem. The date on your physical card may show 2030, but if your digital renewal expired last month, you are illegal right now. Always check digital status.
Must carry at all times	You must have your Iqama accessible at all times — either the physical card or the Digital Iqama on Absher app (both are legally valid). Police can ask to see it anytime, anywhere.
Issued after arrival	After entering Saudi on a work visa, your employer must get your Iqama issued within approximately 90 days. During this period, your visa stamp serves as temporary legal status.
Who is responsible for renewal	Your Kafeel (कफ़ील / Sponsor/Employer) is officially responsible for renewing your Iqama. But YOU should always check and remind them — if it expires, YOU face the consequences, not them.
Passport validity for renewal	You cannot renew your Iqama if your passport has less than 6 months validity remaining. Get your passport renewed first through your embassy, then renew Iqama.

---

IQAMA RENEWAL FEES & WORK PERMIT COSTS

A. Residency Renewal Fees (Iqama Fee Only)

Renewal Period	Fee (SAR)	When to Choose This
3 months	163	Short-term contracts, workers planning to leave soon, or when employer wants to pay in small installments
6 months	325	Medium-term projects or when budget is tight
9 months	488	Less common, but available for specific contract durations
12 months (full year)	650	Most common choice for regular full-time employees — best value

B. Work Permit Fee (Separate — Maktab Amal / मक्तब अमल)

Fee Type	Amount	Note
Annual work permit fee	SAR 9,600/year	This breaks down to SAR 800 per month. This is charged for most private-sector foreign workers. This fee is COMPLETELY SEPARATE from the Iqama renewal fee above. Your employer usually pays this, but some employers deduct it from salary (check your contract).

C. Total Minimum Annual Cost (Example)

Component	Amount (SAR)
Iqama renewal (12 months)	650
Work permit (12 months)	9,600
TOTAL minimum per worker	SAR 10,250/year

⚠️ This does NOT include medical insurance, dependent fees (if any), or other charges.

---

IQAMA PENALTIES & CRITICAL DEADLINES

Rule / Situation	Detail & Consequence
3-Day Renewal Deadline	You MUST complete your Iqama renewal at least 3 days BEFORE the expiry date. The system is automated — it triggers fines automatically at midnight on the expiry date. There is no grace period, no manual override, no “I didn’t know” excuse. Set a reminder 2 weeks before expiry.
1st time late renewal	Fine of SAR 500. This is applied automatically to your record. You must pay this fine before your Iqama can be renewed.
2nd time late renewal	Fine increases to SAR 1,000. System tracks your violation history — even if you paid the first fine, the second offense is recorded.
3rd time late renewal	Deportation (तर्हील / Tarheel). Your Iqama is cancelled. You will be sent to a deportation center and removed from the Kingdom. A re-entry ban will be applied.
Overstay on visit/tourist visa	Fines, detention, deportation, and possible re-entry ban. Some visit visas had a 30-day grace period (June 2025 update), but do NOT rely on this — leave or extend before expiry.
Not carrying Iqama	If police stop you and you cannot show physical card OR Digital Iqama on Absher → you may be detained until your identity and status are verified. This can take hours or days.

---

WHAT EXISTING EXPATS (PRE-2026 RESIDENTS) MUST WATCH

What to Monitor	Why It Matters & What to Do
Your REAL Iqama expiry date	The date printed on your physical card may NOT match your actual digital status. Your card might say 2029, but if your annual digital renewal expired, you are illegal. Check on Absher → My Services → Inquiries → Resident Services → Iqama Expiry Service → Enter Iqama number. Do this every month.
Passport validity	Must have 6+ months remaining at all times — needed for living, Iqama renewal, AND re-entry if you travel. If your passport is expiring, contact your country’s embassy in Saudi immediately.
Work permit (Maktab Amal) payment status	Your employer must pay SAR 9,600/year for your work permit. If they haven’t paid, your work permit becomes inactive, and your entire legal status is at risk — even if your Iqama appears valid. Ask your employer for proof or check on Qiwa.
Medical insurance	Must be active and linked to your Iqama. Without valid insurance, your Iqama renewal will be blocked by the system. Also, your employer cannot renew your Iqama from abroad without active insurance.
Your employer’s Nitaqat (नितकात / Saudization) status	If your employer’s company falls into Red zone (not enough Saudi employees), the government blocks that company from renewing ANY foreign worker visas or Iqamas. Your status becomes at risk through no fault of your own. Ask your HR department about the company’s Nitaqat color.
Qiwa (किवा) compliance of your company	If your company is marked non-compliant on Qiwa (labor platform), workers may face forced transfer or exit. Check if your contract is properly registered on Qiwa — your employer should provide access.
Exit/Re-entry visa (खुरूज वा अउदा / Khurooj wa Auda)	Before leaving Saudi for vacation or any reason, you MUST have a valid Exit/Re-entry visa. Without it, you either cannot leave, or if you leave, you cannot come back. Your employer issues this through Absher Business.
Final Exit (खुरूज निहाई / Khurooj Nihai) awareness	If your employer processes a Final Exit for you — your Iqama is permanently cancelled. You must leave Saudi within the exit period. You cannot work, stay, or return on the same Iqama. Make sure your employer does NOT process Final Exit without your knowledge.
Your skill tier classification	Under the new 2026 system, you are classified as high-skilled, skilled, semi-skilled, or low-skilled. This affects your renewal chances, job mobility, and whether restrictions apply to your nationality. Know your tier.
Keep all documents saved	Employment contract, salary slips (bank statements showing salary deposits), Qiwa contract screenshot, Iqama copy (front and back), passport copy. If any dispute happens, these documents are your ONLY protection.

---

HUROOB (हुरूब) — COMPLETE EXPLANATION

Question	Answer (Detailed)
What is Huroob?	Huroob (هروب / हुरूब) literally means “running away” in Arabic. It is when your employer (Kafeel) officially reports to the Saudi Immigration authority (Jawazat) that you have left your job without permission or are absent from work. Once this report is filed, your legal status in Saudi Arabia changes immediately — you go from “legal resident” to “reported absconder.”
What is the new name for Huroob?	The government reformed the system and renamed it Taghayyub an al-Amal (تغيب عن العمل / तग़य्युब अन अल-अमल) which means “Absence from Work.” The old word “Huroob” (runaway) was considered too harsh and unfair to workers. But most people still call it Huroob in daily language.
How does the employer file it?	The employer logs into Absher Business (أبشر أعمال) or Qiwa (كيوا) portal → selects the worker’s name → files an “Absence from Work Report” (بلاغ تغيب / Balagh Taghayyub). The process is fully digital and takes only a few minutes.
How will the worker know?	The worker receives an SMS notification from the Ministry of Interior on the mobile number registered in Absher. This is why keeping your phone number updated in Absher is extremely important — if your number is old or wrong, you will NOT receive this critical alert.
What happens to Iqama status?	Your Iqama status in the system changes to “Reported Absent” (مبلغ عنه بالتغيب). You are not yet fully illegal at this point — you have a 60-day grace period to take action.
What is the 60-day grace period?	After the Huroob/absence report is filed, you get 60 days to either: transfer to a new employer, file a counter-complaint if the report is false, take voluntary Final Exit, or register on the self-deportation platform. This grace period is the biggest improvement in the reformed system.
What happens after 60 days if no action?	You become a Mukhalif (مخالف / मुख़ालिफ़ / Violator) — meaning fully illegal. You can be arrested anywhere (street, shop, checkpoint). Fines start accumulating. You will be sent to Tarheel (تر حيل / Deportation Center) and forcefully deported with a 3-5+ year re-entry ban.

---

HOW TO AVOID HUROOB — PREVENTION GUIDE

Prevention Rule	Detailed Explanation
Never leave your job without filing an official complaint first	Even if your employer has not paid your salary for months, even if working conditions are terrible — do NOT just walk out and disappear. First go to Maktab Amal (Labor Office) or file a complaint on qiwa.sa. This creates an official record that YOU are the victim, not the violator. If you just leave, the employer will file Huroob against you and you become the criminal.
Keep your Iqama and work permit active at all times	Check your status on Absher regularly (at least once a month). An expired Iqama or work permit makes you vulnerable — your employer can easily file Huroob, and you have less legal standing to fight back.
Never work for anyone other than your Kafeel	This is called “free visa” (فري فيزا / फ्री वीज़ा) in common language. If you are sponsored by Company A but working for Person B — your Kafeel (Company A) has full right to file Huroob against you. AND you are committing a separate violation (working without proper permit). Double trouble.
Keep communication with your Kafeel/employer	Inform your employer before any absence, travel, or medical leave. Get everything in writing (WhatsApp messages are accepted as evidence in Saudi labor courts). If your employer cannot reach you, they may assume you ran away and file Huroob.
Save ALL proof of employment	Keep copies of: employment contract (Qiwa version), salary slips or bank statements showing salary deposits, any WhatsApp/email communication with employer, attendance records if available. In a dispute, the person with documents wins.
If salary is delayed → file complaint on Qiwa IMMEDIATELY	Saudi labor law requires salary to be paid on time every month. If salary is delayed by even a few weeks, file a complaint on qiwa.sa or visit the nearest Maktab Amal. This complaint protects you — if the employer then files Huroob, the system will see that YOU complained first about salary, and their Huroob report can be challenged.
Update your mobile number in Absher	All government notifications — including Huroob alerts — come to the phone number registered in your Absher account. If your number has changed and you didn’t update it, you will miss the 60-day grace period notification and lose your chance to act.
If you go on vacation — return ON TIME	Many Huroob cases happen when a worker goes home on vacation and doesn’t return by the date on their Exit/Re-entry visa. After waiting some time, the employer files Huroob. If you need more time at home, contact your employer and request an extension BEFORE the return date passes.

---

IF HUROOB IS APPLIED — YOUR 60-DAY OPTIONS

What You Can Do	How to Do It	Important Notes
Transfer to a New Employer (तनक़ील / Tanqeel)	Find a new employer who agrees to sponsor you. The new employer initiates the transfer process on the Qiwa (किवा) platform. Once accepted and processed, the Huroob report gets cancelled and your Iqama transfers to the new sponsor.	This is the BEST option if you want to stay in Saudi. But you must find the new employer yourself within 60 days. The new employer must be Nitaqat-compliant. Not all employers will agree to take a worker with an active Huroob report.
File a Counter-Complaint	Go to the nearest Maktab Amal (مكتب العمل / Labor Office) in person, OR file online through qiwa.sa. Submit your complaint with evidence (unpaid salary proof, abuse documentation, contract violations).	If the Labor Office finds your complaint valid — for example, employer didn’t pay salary for 3+ months — they can cancel the Huroob report and even penalize the employer. Having saved documents (bank statements, contract, messages) is critical here.
Take Voluntary Final Exit (खुरूज निहाई / Khurooj Nihai)	Go to Jawazat (جوازات / Immigration) office voluntarily, OR process through Absher if available. Tell them you want to leave Saudi on Final Exit.	Your Iqama gets cancelled permanently. You leave the country. The advantage is that voluntary departure within 60 days usually results in a shorter re-entry ban (or sometimes no ban) compared to being caught and forcefully deported.
Register on Self-Deportation Platform	Access the MOI’s voluntary departure platform online. Register your details and request to leave.	This is specifically designed for violators who want to leave without being arrested. The government arranges your departure. Re-entry ban is shorter than forced deportation.

⚠️ WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOTHING FOR 60 DAYS

Consequence	Detail
Status changes to Mukhalif (Violator)	You are now fully illegal — no grace period, no options left in your hands
Can be arrested anywhere	Police, Jawazat officers, even during routine checkpoint — your Iqama number flags immediately
Fines accumulate	Daily/periodic penalty charges build up on your record
Detention in Tarheel (Deportation Center)	You will be held in a deportation facility until the government arranges your departure. Conditions are basic. Wait time can be weeks or months.
Forced deportation	Government puts you on a plane home at their schedule, not yours
Re-entry ban	Typically 3 to 5+ years. For repeat offenders, it can be permanent. This means you cannot return to Saudi for work, Umrah, tourism, or any purpose during the ban period.

---

FINAL EXIT AFTER HUROOB — WHO CAN & WHO CANNOT

✅ CAN TAKE FINAL EXIT AFTER HUROOB

Condition	Explanation
Within 60-day grace period	If you approach Jawazat voluntarily within the 60-day window after Huroob is filed, you CAN request and receive Final Exit. The system is designed to allow this.
No pending criminal case	If you have no theft, assault, drug, fraud, or any criminal charge registered against you in Saudi Arabia, your Final Exit can be processed.
No court-imposed travel ban (Man’ Safar / منع سفر / मनअ सफ़र)	If no Saudi court has issued a travel ban against your name, you are free to exit. Travel bans are usually related to financial disputes, ongoing lawsuits, or criminal investigations.
Worker approaches Jawazat voluntarily before being caught	If you go to Jawazat on your own (not brought by police), you are treated more leniently. They process your exit faster and the ban period may be shorter.
Domestic worker with active Musaned complaint	If you are a domestic worker and you have filed a complaint through the Musaned (مساند) platform, the dispute resolution process can lead to a legal Final Exit even after Huroob, because the system recognizes you may be a victim.
Employer agrees to cancel Huroob + give Final Exit	If your employer (the one who filed Huroob) has a change of heart or you reach a settlement, the employer can cancel the absence report on Absher Business and then process your Final Exit normally. This requires the employer’s cooperation.

❌ CANNOT TAKE FINAL EXIT AFTER HUROOB

Condition	Explanation
60-day grace period has expired + no action was taken	Once the 60 days pass without any transfer, complaint, or voluntary exit, you are classified as a Mukhalif (Violator). At this point, you CANNOT request Final Exit yourself — the government controls the process. You will be deported on THEIR timeline, not yours.
Pending criminal case	If you have any active criminal case — theft, assault, drugs, financial fraud, harassment, or any crime — your exit is BLOCKED until the case is fully resolved by the court. You may serve a sentence before deportation.
Court-imposed travel ban (Man’ Safar)	If a Saudi court has issued a travel ban on your name (usually due to financial disputes with employer, unpaid loans, traffic accident liabilities, or ongoing lawsuits), you cannot leave Saudi Arabia until the court lifts the ban. This requires settling the dispute or getting a court order.
Outstanding debts or financial obligations	If your employer claims you owe money (for training costs, advance salary, company property damage, etc.), or if you have unpaid bank loans or credit card debt in Saudi, the creditor can block your exit through the court system. You must settle or get clearance.
Repeat offender (multiple Huroob/violations in history)	If you have been reported for Huroob before, or have multiple violation records, you are treated as a habitual offender. Usually results in forced deportation with a permanent or very long re-entry ban. No option for self-managed exit.
Already detained in Tarheel (Deportation Center)	Once you are physically inside a Tarheel center, you have no control over the process. The government decides when you leave, on which flight, and what ban period applies. You cannot request Final Exit from inside detention — the process is entirely in government hands.

💡 CRITICAL SUMMARY

Timing	Your Control Level
Within 60 days of Huroob	HIGH — You have 4 options, you can choose your path
After 60 days	ZERO — Government decides everything about your deportation

---

MUSANED (मुसानद) SYSTEM — COMPLETE GUIDE

A. What is Musaned

Question	Answer
Full name	Musaned (مساند / मुसानद) — means “Support” in Arabic
What is it	Saudi Arabia’s official government digital platform for everything related to domestic workers (घरेलू कामगार). It covers hiring, contracts, payments, complaints, transfers, and dispute resolution — all in one system.
Website	musaned.com.sa
Who runs it	Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD)
Mandatory?	YES — since its full launch, ALL domestic worker transactions MUST go through Musaned. Hiring a domestic worker outside this platform is illegal and results in fines for the employer and invalid status for the worker.

B. Who Does Musaned Cover

Worker Type (English)	Hinglish	Arabic
Housemaid	घर का काम करने वाली	عاملة منزلية (Aamila Manziliya)
Private Driver	ड्राइवर	سائق خاص (Saiq Khaas)
Cook	रसोइया	طباخ (Tabbakh)
Nanny / Babysitter	बच्चों की देखभाल	مربية (Murabbiya)
Gardener	माली	بستاني (Bustani)
Private Security Guard	गार्ड	حارس خاص (Haaris Khaas)
Home Nurse	घरेलू नर्स	ممرض خاص (Mumarrid Khaas)

Important: Musaned does NOT cover regular company workers, construction workers, or shop employees. Those fall under Qiwa and regular Kafala/Iqama system.

C. Key Features of Musaned

Feature	What It Does	Why It Matters
E-Contract (इलेक्ट्रॉनिक अनुबंध)	All domestic worker contracts MUST be digitally registered on Musaned	Creates a legal record that protects both employer and worker. Without registered contract, the employment is illegal.
Hiring through authorized agencies only	You can only hire domestic workers through recruitment agencies listed on Musaned	Prevents illegal hiring, trafficking, and scam agencies. Each agency is rated by the government.
Complaint system (both sides)	Both the employer AND the domestic worker can file complaints through the platform	This is a major protection — workers can report abuse, unpaid salary, or contract violations without needing to physically go to a government office.
Dispute resolution	Musaned has a built-in dispute resolution system with set deadlines for response	If one party files a complaint, the other party must respond within a set timeframe, or the system automatically escalates it.
Worker transfer	Domestic workers can be legally transferred from one employer to another through the platform	If the employer-worker relationship isn’t working, transfer is possible without the worker becoming illegal.
Wage protection	Salary payments are tracked through the system	Helps prevent the common problem of employers not paying domestic workers on time or at all.
Insurance	Worker insurance (medical + other) is managed through Musaned	Ensures domestic workers have basic coverage during their employment.

D. How Musaned Works — For Employers

Step	Action	Detail
1	Register on musaned.com.sa	Use your Absher login credentials (national ID/Iqama + password)
2	Select worker nationality and job type	Choose the type of worker you need and preferred nationality
3	Choose authorized recruitment agency	Only agencies listed and rated on Musaned are legal. Check their rating and reviews.
4	Sign E-Contract	Digitally sign the employment contract — it becomes legally binding for both parties
5	Pay all fees through platform	Recruitment agency fees + insurance + visa fees — all paid online through Musaned
6	Worker arrives in Saudi	Worker goes through biometrics/fingerprinting at the airport → Iqama is issued
7	Salary tracking begins	All salary payments should be made through documented channels (bank transfer preferred)

E. How Musaned Works — For Domestic Workers (Complaint Process)

Step	Action	Detail
1	File complaint on Musaned app or portal	Worker can file complaint about: unpaid salary, abuse, overwork, contract violations, passport confiscation
2	Employer gets notification + deadline to respond	The system notifies the employer and gives them a set number of days to respond
3	If employer responds and resolves	Complaint is closed — work continues or mutually agreed transfer/exit
4	If employer does NOT respond	System automatically escalates to Maktab Amal (Labor Office)
5	Maktab Amal intervenes	Labor Office reviews the case and decides: continue work, transfer to new employer, or Final Exit

F. How Musaned Protects Against False Huroob

Situation	What Musaned Does
Employer files Huroob (absence report) against domestic worker falsely	Worker can file counter-complaint on Musaned within 60 days. If worker’s complaint is older than employer’s Huroob report, it proves the worker complained first — Huroob can be cancelled.
Salary not paid for 3+ months	Worker gets automatic right to transfer to a new employer WITHOUT needing current employer’s consent. The system recognizes non-payment as employer’s fault.
Physical abuse or unsafe living conditions	Worker can request emergency shelter through the platform. Government provides temporary housing and facilitates either transfer to new employer or safe Final Exit.
Contract violations by employer (overwork, different job than contract, etc.)	Platform keeps the original E-Contract as evidence. Any deviation is provable — worker’s complaint is stronger because the evidence is digital and government-held.

---

ALL KEY SAUDI TERMS — QUICK REFERENCE (HINGLISH)

Saudi Term (Arabic)	Hinglish Pronunciation	English Meaning	What It Actually Means for You
إقامة	Iqama (इकामा)	Residence Permit	Your legal ID card in Saudi — without it you are illegal
كفيل	Kafeel (कफ़ील)	Sponsor	Your employer or the person legally responsible for you in Saudi
هروب	Huroob (हुरूब)	Absconding/Running away	When employer reports you as absent — your status becomes at risk
تغيب عن العمل	Taghayyub (तग़य्युब)	Absence from Work	New official name for Huroob — gives you 60 days to act
بلاغ تغيب	Balagh Taghayyub (बलाग़ तग़य्युब)	Absence Report	The actual report your employer files against you
مخالف	Mukhalif (मुख़ालिफ़)	Violator	What you become after 60 days of no action — fully illegal
ترحيل	Tarheel (तर्हील)	Deportation	Being sent back to your country by force
خروج نهائي	Khurooj Nihai (खुरूज निहाई)	Final Exit	Permanent departure from Saudi — Iqama cancelled forever
خروج وعودة	Khurooj wa Auda (खुरूज वा अउदा)	Exit & Re-entry	Temporary leave visa — you can go and come back
منع سفر	Man’ Safar (मनअ सफ़र)	Travel Ban	Court order preventing you from leaving Saudi
مكتب العمل	Maktab Amal (मक्तब अमल)	Labor Office	Government office that handles worker-employer disputes
كيوا	Qiwa (किवा)	(Platform name)	Digital platform for work permits, contracts, labor compliance
أبشر	Absher (अबशर)	(Platform name — means “Good news”)	Main government services portal — Iqama check, renewal, Digital ID
مقيم	Muqeem (मुक़ीम)	Resident	Employer-side portal for managing workers’ residency
مساند	Musaned (मुसानद)	Support	Government platform specifically for domestic workers
نطاقات	Nitaqat (नितकात)	Ranges/Categories	Saudization program — companies colored Green/Red based on Saudi hiring %
جوازات	Jawazat (जवाज़ात)	Passports (Immigration)	Saudi immigration authority — handles all entry/exit/visa matters
تنقيل	Tanqeel (तनक़ील)	Transfer	Moving your sponsorship from one employer to another
فري فيزا	Free Visa (फ्री वीज़ा)	Free Visa (slang)	ILLEGAL practice of being sponsored by one person but working for another

---

OFFICIAL PORTALS — ONLY USE THESE

Portal Name	Purpose	URL	When You Need It
Absher (أبشر)	Personal services: Iqama check, renewal, Digital Iqama, exit/re-entry	absher.sa	Every month to check your status; whenever you need any government service
Qiwa (كيوا)	Work permits, labor compliance, contracts, worker transfers, complaints	qiwa.sa	When checking work permit status, filing labor complaints, or transferring employers
Musaned (مساند)	Domestic workers only: hiring, contracts, complaints, transfers	musaned.com.sa	If you ARE a domestic worker or if you EMPLOY domestic workers
Muqeem (مقيم)	Employer-side portal for managing workers’ residency	muqeem.sa	For employers to manage their workers’ Iqamas and visas
Visit Saudi / eVisa	Tourist visa, eVisa application	visa.visitsaudi.com	If you want to visit Saudi as a tourist or for Umrah
MOFA	Embassy and consulate services, visa verification	mofa.gov.sa	For verifying visa status or contacting Saudi embassy in your country
Jawazat (MOI)	Immigration, passport, deportation matters	MOI portal (mol.gov.sa)	For serious immigration matters — usually handled in person

⚠️ WARNING: Never use unofficial websites, agents, or “fixers” who claim they can solve your Huroob, get you a visa, or fix your Iqama. These are scams. Only the portals listed above are legitimate. If someone asks you to pay money outside these systems, it is fraud.

---

GOLDEN RULES — EVERY EXPAT MUST FOLLOW

Golden Rule	Why This Rule Exists
Check Absher every single month	Your real legal status is ONLY in the digital system. The physical card means nothing if the digital record is expired. One monthly check takes 2 minutes and can save you from deportation.
Keep passport valid with 6+ months remaining	Required for living in Saudi, renewing Iqama, and re-entering after travel. If passport expires while you’re in Saudi, your Iqama renewal gets blocked and you’re stuck in a complicated loop.
Save every document — screenshot everything	Employment contract, Qiwa registration, salary bank statements, WhatsApp messages with employer, Iqama copy (front and back), passport copy. In any dispute, the person with documents wins. The person without documents loses — even if they are right.
NEVER work for anyone other than your Kafeel	This is the single most common reason for Huroob reports and deportation. Even if someone offers you better pay, working for them is a violation that can end your entire career in Saudi Arabia.
If there is a problem → file complaint FIRST, then leave	This is the most important rule. Whether it’s unpaid salary, abuse, overwork, or contract violation — go to Maktab Amal or file on Qiwa FIRST. Create an official record. THEN if you need to leave the job, you are protected. If you leave first and complain later, the employer will file Huroob and you look like the guilty party.
If Huroob is filed → act within 60 days	After 60 days, you lose ALL options. Within 60 days, you can transfer, complain, take Final Exit, or self-deport. After 60 days, the government decides everything and you have zero control over your fate. Every day you waste inside those 60 days is a day closer to losing your freedom of choice.