Saudi Arabia Orders Work Permits Within 90 Days Discover Easy Rules

Riyadh, September 5, 2026: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has reiterated that employers must issue work permits for new expatriate employees within 90 days of their entry into the Kingdom. This compliance mandate rests entirely with the hiring establishment, not the worker.

• Employers must issue work permits within 90 days of arrival.
• Hiring establishments are responsible for all recruitment costs and fees.
• The 90-day period starts from the actual entry date into Saudi Arabia.
• Working without a valid permit violates Saudi law.

Employer Responsibility and Costs

According to Article 40 of the Saudi Labour Law, employers are responsible for all recruitment costs, residence permit (Iqama) issuance and renewal fees, work permit fees, and any fines resulting from employer-related delays. With approximately 2.74 million Indians residing in Saudi Arabia across sectors including construction, healthcare, hospitality, retail, engineering, logistics, and IT, adhering to this 90-day window is critical for maintaining legal employment status. Under Article 40, it is illegal for employers to demand that workers cover recruitment, permit, or renewal fees, or associated fines.

Timeline and Document Verification

The 90-day period commences upon the worker's actual entry into Saudi Arabia, rather than the date of visa issuance or contract signing in India. Employers are expected to expedite onboarding, medical formalities, and permit processing immediately upon arrival. Workers are advised not to rely solely on verbal assurances and should seek documented status updates from their HR departments. The work permit and Iqama are distinct but linked documents. The HRSD handles work licenses, while the Jawazat (Passport authorities) manages residency status. Payment status for permits may take time to reflect in passport systems; therefore, employees should verify their status through official documentation.

Legal Status and Help Resources

If a company requests such payments, employees should verify their contracts against official rules. In cases where the 90-day deadline is exceeded without a permit, the HRSD provides an exceptional service mechanism for service transfer, though this is subject to specific conditions, including the employer's Nitaqat classification. Working for a different employer or on an individual basis without a valid permit is a violation of Saudi law. Service transfers must be processed exclusively through legal channels such as Qiwa or the HRSD framework. Workers should monitor their records, including entry dates and contract status, and avoid sharing sensitive credentials like OTPs or banking access with agents. Furthermore, if an employer is in the 'Red Zone' of the Nitaqat system, they are prohibited from issuing or renewing work permits. Indian workers facing disputes, harassment, or sponsorship issues can contact the Indian Embassy in Riyadh via their 24-hour helpline at 00-966-11-4884697, WhatsApp at 00966-542126748, or the Saudi toll-free number 800 247 1234. Grievances may also be registered via the MADAD portal, while direct labour queries can be directed to the HRSD unified helpline at 19911.