New Absher, Qiwa Rules Affect Residents & Workers

Saudi authorities have rolled out a series of public-service and labor updates in 2026 that directly affect residents, workers, and private-sector employers across the Kingdom. The changes cover new digital services, mandatory electronic contracts, and stepped-up workplace inspections.

Four new Jawazat e-services were added to أبشر in early 2026. Residents can now remove records of dependents who have permanently left the Kingdom, create an independent record for sponsored children over 18 who have settled abroad, and manage additional residency data for expatriate family members. A new Absher Travel service also allows travelers using the Salwa land crossing with Qatar to pre-clear immigration steps, including a vehicle no-objection certificate and travel formalities.

Digital contracts now mandatory

All employment contracts must now be documented and authenticated electronically through قوى. Non-digital or unsigned contracts are treated as legally invalid. For Saudi employees, قوى is linked with GOSI, so new hires are automatically enrolled when a contract is created and removed when it is ended.

Private-sector establishments must document at least 85% of active contracts on قوى by 30 April 2026, rising to 90% by 30 June 2026. The Unified Employment Contract Initiative continues its rollout: Phase 2, covering fixed-term contracts on renewal, took effect on 6 March 2026, while Phase 3 for open-ended contracts begins on 6 August 2026. Employers who ignore digital contract and wage-protection rules through systems such as Mudad risk suspension of government services, including visa issuance.

Inspections and enforcement

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development completed more than 250,000 workplace inspections in the first quarter of 2026, targeting fake Saudization and unauthorized recruitment. Fourteen recruitment offices were penalized early in the year, resulting in 11 license revocations and 3 suspensions. Ministerial decisions also mandate 100% Saudization for 69 administrative support professions, reinforcing the push to localize jobs.

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