In a significant move to streamline labour practices, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, through the Qiwa platform, has introduced stricter employment rules for both Saudi nationals and expatriate workers.
According to reports published by Okaz newspaper and Saudi Gazette, Saudi employees can no longer hold more than seven jobs within a one-year period. This rule applies once an individual completes seven employment contracts within 365 days, calculated from the start date of the first contract.
Seven-job annual cap: Cooling excessive job switching
The new regulation aims to reduce excessive job switching and improve workforce stability. Once a Saudi employee reaches the seven-contract threshold, they must wait until a full year has passed from the first contract date before signing another.
Moreover, authorities clarified that employees cannot hold more than two active employment contracts at the same time. Therefore, if a worker wishes to accept a new role, they must first terminate one of their existing contracts.
Expats face strict deadlines on work permit compliance
At the same time, the Qiwa platform has tightened compliance rules for non-Saudi workers. Employers must cancel the registration of expatriates if their work permits expire.
In addition, expats who remain without a valid work permit for more than three months after June 30, 2026, will have their registration automatically cancelled. This rule applies regardless of their residency status, reinforcing stricter enforcement across the labour market.
Nitaqat programme: Eligibility criteria remain stringent
The platform also reiterated eligibility requirements under the Nitaqat program. Companies can only benefit from Saudi employees if specific conditions are met.
For instance, the employee must be at least 18 years old under the Hijri calendar. They must also earn a minimum basic salary of SR4,000, excluding housing allowances. Furthermore, the role must be full-time, and the employee must not be enrolled as a student.
Policy signals stronger labour market oversight
These updates highlight Saudi Arabia’s continued push to regulate employment practices and strengthen labour market oversight. By limiting job contracts and enforcing permit validity, authorities aim to create a more structured and compliant workforce environment.
