Saudi Arabia has launched a flexible residency permit (Iqama) renewal service for domestic workers, permitting employers to issue or renew Iqamas for durations ranging from three months to 24 months through the Absher platform. The new service was announced by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Musaned platform.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The new service gives employers greater flexibility when managing domestic workers’ residency permits by allowing Iqama issuance or renewal for periods ranging from three months to 24 months. For global mobility managers, HR leaders, and payroll administrators, shorter renewal periods may help align government fee payments with operational needs, assignment planning, and budget cycles. For expatriate domestic workers, the change may affect the timing and certainty of residency status, including travel planning, employment continuity, and access to services.
Background
Previously, Iqama renewals for domestic workers were limited to annual or two-year periods, requiring employers to commit to longer-term arrangements and upfront payment of government fees. The process was less adaptable to changing staffing needs or short-term assignments, potentially leading to inefficiencies and increased administrative complexity.
Key Highlights
Saudi Arabia has implemented a new Iqama renewal service for domestic workers that allows employers to select renewal periods from three to 24 months via the Absher platform. This change is designed to provide greater flexibility in workforce management and government fee payments.
- Flexible renewal periods: Employers can now issue or renew Iqama for durations as short as three months, up to two years.
- Access via Absher platform: The service is available online, streamlining administrative procedures and improving accessibility.
- Collaboration: The initiative results from cooperation between the Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Musaned platform.
- Government fee payments: Employers can pay government fees corresponding to the selected renewal period, potentially easing cash flow management.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the change, employers might wish to consider the following:
- Employers may review domestic worker employment policies to determine whether shorter renewal periods could better align with operational needs and budget cycles.
- Employers could update internal compliance-tracking procedures to help support timely renewals and accurate government fee payments.
- HR teams may communicate the change to affected employees to help reduce uncertainty around renewal timing, travel planning, and continuity of status.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS/People Services team with KPMG in the Lower Gulf (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Saudi Expatriates, “Saudi Arabia introduces flexible Iqama Renewal for Domestic Workers Through Absher.”
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the United Arab Emirates.
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