Saudi Arabia Introduces Flexible Iqama Renewal Options for Domestic Workers

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new flexible residency permit (iqama) renewal system for domestic workers, allowing employers to renew permits for shorter periods starting from three months instead of being restricted to annual or biennial renewals.

The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Interior through the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), allows employers to issue or renew residency permits for domestic workers and workers in similar categories through the Absher electronic platform. The service has been launched in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Musaned platform, which oversees domestic labour services in the Kingdom.

Under the revised system, employers can select renewal periods of three, six, nine, 12, 15, 18, 21 or 24 months, depending on their requirements. Previously, residency permits for domestic workers were generally renewed for one or two years, requiring employers to make larger upfront payments.

The new arrangement enables employers to pay residency fees according to the selected renewal period. For permits renewed for three months or any multiple of three months, payments can now be made on a quarterly basis, providing greater financial flexibility for households employing domestic workers.

The Ministry of Interior said the measure is designed to simplify residency procedures, improve the efficiency of government services and offer more flexible solutions for both employers and domestic workers. It also aims to align residency services with changing employment needs and payment preferences.

The move forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider digital transformation programme, which has focused on expanding electronic government services and reducing administrative procedures. Through platforms such as Absher and Musaned, the Kingdom has increasingly shifted employment, residency and domestic worker-related services to digital channels, allowing users to complete transactions remotely.

For domestic workers, the reform provides a more structured system for maintaining valid residency status, while employers benefit from greater control over the duration and cost of renewals. The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernise labour and residency services under its Vision 2030 reforms.