Saudi Arabia’s Qiwa platform, operating under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has announced new labor regulations limiting Saudi employees to a maximum of seven employment contracts within a 365-day period. The move aims to regulate the labor market, improve employment stability, and strengthen compliance with the Kingdom’s labor laws and Saudization policies.

Saudi Employees Cannot Hold More Than Seven Jobs in One Year

According to Qiwa, a Saudi employee who has already completed seven employment contracts within one year will not be allowed to sign an eighth contract until a full year has passed from the date of the first contract. The regulation applies to all employment contracts recorded through the platform.

The clarification came after employers received official notifications confirming that Saudi nationals are prohibited from holding more than seven jobs within a single year under the updated labor system.

Maximum Number of Active Employment Contracts

The platform also explained that Saudi employees are only permitted to hold a maximum of two valid employment contracts simultaneously. This requirement is aligned with Saudi labor regulations and service eligibility standards.

If an employee wishes to accept a third job offer while already working under two active contracts, one of the existing contracts must first be terminated before a new contract can be approved through the Qiwa system.

New Rules for Non-Saudi Employees and Work Permits

Qiwa further emphasized that establishments must cancel the registration of non-Saudi employees if their work permits have expired or if they remain without a valid work permit for more than three months after June 30, 2026, regardless of their residency status in the Kingdom.

These measures are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to regulate the labor market and ensure all workers comply with official employment and residency requirements.

Nitaqat Program Requirements for Saudi Employees

The platform highlighted several important conditions for companies seeking to benefit from Saudi employees under the Nitaqat program. To be counted in Saudization calculations, the employee must:

• Be at least 18 years old according to the Hijri calendar

• Receive a minimum basic salary of SR4,000

• Receive a housing allowance in addition to the salary

• Work on a full-time basis

• Not be registered as a student

The new employment regulations are expected to improve labor market efficiency, reduce irregular employment practices, and support Saudi Arabia’s workforce development goals under Vision 2030.