Saudi Arabia Mandates Work Permits for Premium Residency Holders

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced updated regulations for individuals holding 'Premium Residency' in the Kingdom.

Under the new directive, these specialized residents must now legally obtain a separate work permit via the government's digital 'Qiwa' platform, subject to a 100 Saudi Riyal fee. The platform has also streamlined digital payment methods for corporate subscriptions, internship contracts, and visa services.

Regarding labor rights, employees submitting a resignation will now possess a seven-day window to withdraw it, during which employers cannot finalize or delay the decision. Furthermore, once a visa is issued, no data corrections will be permitted; any errors will require full cancellation and a fresh application. While training agreements under the popular 'Tamheer' program can now be registered electronically through Qiwa, the ministry clarified that these will not count toward national Saudization employment quotas.