Saudi Arabia has introduced a new flexible residency permit (Iqama) renewal system that allows employers to issue or renew domestic workers' iqamas starting from just three months. The initiative enables households to manage employment-related expenses more efficiently by paying residency fees based only on the selected duration through the Absher platform and Musaned.

Saudi Arabia Launches Flexible Iqama Renewal Periods

The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), has launched the service in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the Musaned recruitment platform.

Under the new system, employers can select residency permit periods that best suit their requirements instead of being restricted to annual or two-year renewals.

Available Iqama Renewal Periods

• 3 Months

• 6 Months

• 9 Months

• 12 Months

• 15 Months

• 18 Months

• 21 Months

• 24 Months

The new residency periods are available for domestic workers and other equivalent categories eligible under the system.

Issue and Renew Iqamas Through Absher

Employers can conveniently issue or renew domestic workers' residency permits electronically through the Absher platform without visiting government offices. The digital service simplifies the renewal process and provides greater flexibility in selecting suitable residency periods.

The move forms part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to enhance digital government services and improve the efficiency of residency-related procedures.

Quarterly Payment Option Provides Greater Financial Flexibility

One of the key advantages of the new system is the ability to pay residency permit fees based on the selected period rather than committing to longer renewal terms.

For example, employers choosing three-month residency permits can effectively pay the applicable fees every quarter, helping households better manage their financial obligations.

This flexible payment mechanism may particularly benefit employers seeking short-term arrangements or those who prefer distributing employment-related costs throughout the year.

What Has Changed Under the New System?

Previously, domestic workers' iqama renewals were generally limited to one-year or two-year periods. The newly introduced options significantly expand flexibility by offering renewal periods in three-month increments.

Previous System

• 1-Year Iqama Renewal

• 2-Year Iqama Renewal

New Flexible System

• 3 Months

• 6 Months

• 9 Months

• 12 Months

• 15 Months

• 18 Months

• 21 Months

• 24 Months

The changes allow employers to select residency periods that align more closely with their individual circumstances and financial planning requirements.

Benefits for Employers and Domestic Workers

The new flexible iqama renewal system offers several advantages for both employers and domestic workers.

• Greater flexibility in residency permit durations.

• Improved financial planning through quarterly fee payments.

• Fully digital issuance and renewal procedures.

• Reduced financial burden associated with longer renewal commitments.

• Enhanced accessibility of government services through Absher.

• More convenient residency management for households.

Part of Saudi Arabia's Digital Transformation Initiatives

The introduction of flexible iqama renewal periods reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to modernize residency services and expand digital government platforms. Through collaboration between Jawazat, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and Musaned, employers can now benefit from more convenient and efficient residency management services.

Important Points Employers Should Know

• Iqamas can now be issued or renewed beginning from three months.

• The service is available through the Absher platform.

• Residency fees are paid according to the selected duration.

• Domestic workers and equivalent categories are eligible under the new system.

• Employers may select periods ranging from three to twenty-four months.

• The initiative supports flexible financial planning for households.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia's new three-month iqama renewal option marks an important development for employers of domestic workers by offering greater flexibility, improved financial management, and enhanced digital services. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's continued efforts to simplify government procedures while meeting the diverse needs of employers and domestic workers across the country.