Saudi Arabia clarifies Qiwa contract limits and expat cancellation rules

At a glance

• The Qiwa platform has clarified restrictions on employment contracts for Saudi employees and cancellation rules for non-Saudi workers.
• Saudi employees are limited to a maximum of seven employment contracts within a 12‑month period, after which a new contract cannot be entered into until a full year has passed.
• A maximum of two active employment contracts may be held simultaneously by Saudi employees.
• Non‑Saudi employees must have their registration cancelled if work permits expire or they remain absent for more than three months after 30 June 2026.
• The measures aim to strengthen labour market regulation and ensure compliance with contract and immigration requirements.

The Qiwa platform, under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has clarified new restrictions governing employment contracts for Saudi nationals and the treatment of non-Saudi workers with expired permits.

Saudi employees are limited to a maximum of seven employment contracts within a 12‑month period, calculated from the date of the first contract. Once this threshold is reached, no additional contracts may be concluded until a full year has elapsed. In addition, Saudi employees may hold no more than two active employment contracts at the same time, requiring an existing contract to be terminated before entering into a new one.

In relation to expatriate workers, the platform has confirmed that employers must cancel the registration of non-Saudi employees whose work permits have expired or who remain absent for more than three months after 30 June 2026, regardless of their residency status.

These clarifications form part of broader efforts to regulate employment practices, ensure accurate workforce records, and strengthen compliance with labour and immigration requirements.