Saudi Arabia to require Premium Residency holders to obtain dedicated work permits

Holders of Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency are now required to obtain a dedicated work permit through the Kingdom’s Qiwa digital labour platform, according to new guidance issued by the platform, as cited by Gulf News.

Qiwa, operated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, said the permit will cost SR100 and forms part of a broader set of labour market procedures covering business subscriptions, training contracts, resignation requests and visa-related services.

The platform said subscription fees for businesses vary by company size and are calculated based on the total number of employees registered under the entity’s unified number.

Training contracts and resignation rules clarified

As reported by Gulf News, Qiwa confirmed that training contracts for beneficiaries of the Tamheer programme can be documented electronically through the platform. However, it clarified that these contracts will not count toward Saudisation calculations or current compliance requirements related to employment contract documentation.

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The platform also outlined updated guidance on resignation procedures. Employees may withdraw a resignation request within seven days, provided the employer has not accepted the resignation or deferred a decision during that period.

Notice periods, Qiwa added, are determined by the terms in individual employment contracts and may therefore differ from one employee to another.

Visa amendments require cancellation and reissuance

Qiwa further clarified that visa information cannot be changed after a visa has been issued. If incorrect details are entered, the existing visa must be cancelled and a new visa issued with the correct information.

Service fees on the platform can be paid through bank cards, SADAD payment numbers and the Qiwa digital wallet.