Saudi Arabia extends work permit compliance deadline for foreign workers until December 2026

Saudi Arabia has extended until the end of 2026 the deadline for employers to regularise the work permit status of certain foreign workers, giving businesses and employees more time to comply with labour regulations.

The extension applies to foreign workers whose work permits expired more than 12 months ago, as well as those who have not been issued work permits within six months of joining an establishment, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said.

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The ministry said the move is aimed at improving compliance with labour laws, safeguarding the rights of both employers and employees, and allowing establishments and workers to complete the required regulatory procedures within the revised timeline.

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It urged employers and workers to renew expired work permits or obtain new ones before the year-end deadline, warning that failure to regularise their status during the grace period will result in the enforcement of applicable legal measures.