Saudi Yemeni Status Correction 2026: Transfer Jobs, Fix Expired Iqamas, Levies Waived
Saudi Arabia opened a two-month status correction drive for Yemenis on 11 October 2026. Workers with expired iqamas or absence reports can move to a new employer via Qiwa, Musaned or Absher.
Saudi ArabiaIn brief
- Saudi Arabia began a status correction programme for Yemeni nationals on Sunday, 11 October 2026, running for about two months.
- Yemenis with an expired iqama and a valid passport can move to a new employer online through Qiwa, Musaned or Absher.
- Yemeni workers with an absence (huroob) report can have it cancelled and transfer to another employer.
- For professional workers reported absent before 16 June 2026, unpaid work permit levies are cancelled when they transfer, according to Qiwa.
- Yemenis with no valid documents can get a free six-month visit visa after booking a Jawazat appointment on Absher.
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Organization | Saudi General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) |
| Official source | Arab News – report on the Jawazat status correction procedures ✓ arabnews.pk |
Saudi Arabia has opened a status correction window for Yemeni nationals who are living or working in the kingdom without valid papers. The programme started on Sunday, 11 October 2026, follows a royal directive, and is planned to last about two months.
It is run by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) with other agencies, while the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development handles job transfers on Qiwa and Musaned. For Yemeni workers, it offers a way to clear an expired iqama or an absence report and work legally again.
The programme in one table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it covers | Yemeni nationals in Saudi Arabia with irregular status |
| Start date | 11 October 2026 |
| Duration | About two months (no exact end date published) |
| Run by | Jawazat, with HRSD platforms for job transfers |
| Online platforms | Absher (appointments), Qiwa (private-sector workers), Musaned (domestic workers) |
| Embassy step | Free preliminary online registration with the Yemeni Embassy in Riyadh |
| Levy relief | Old work permit levies cancelled on transfer for workers reported absent before 16 June 2026 (per Qiwa) |
Who can do what
| Your situation | What the programme allows | Main condition |
|---|---|---|
| Iqama has expired | Move to a new employer online, or take a final exit visa | Valid travel document |
| Reported absent (huroob) | Cancel the report and transfer to another employer | Valid travel document |
| Expired visit visa or visitor ID | Six-month extension done online, no office visit | Valid passport and biometrics already on file |
| No passport or ID at all | Free six-month visit visa | Book on Absher, attend a correction centre with proof of Yemeni nationality |
| Holder of an exceptional visit visa | Can obtain residency if hired while the visa is valid | Valid passport and a medical check |
People who choose to leave on a final exit visa are not barred from coming back later, the reports said.
What changes for employers
Qiwa says employers can book a virtual appointment through a dedicated service for correcting the status of absent Yemeni workers. When such a worker joins a new firm, earlier unpaid work permit levies are written off and charges begin only from the transfer date. This applies to professional workers reported absent before 16 June 2026, including those who never received an iqama.
The reports did not publish fee amounts for the transfer itself. Only the visit visa for undocumented Yemenis is described as free.
What it means for job seekers
- A route back to legal work. Yemenis stuck with an absence report or an old iqama can now be hired openly instead of working informally.
- Lower cost for the hiring firm. Because old levies are cancelled, a new employer is less likely to refuse you over debts left by your previous sponsor.
- Time is short. Two months passes quickly, and appointments at correction centres may fill up. Start the process now.
- This is for Yemenis only. Workers of other nationalities need the general HRSD procedures, such as the employer work permit correction window that ends with 2026.
Practical steps
- Check your passport. Most options need a valid Yemeni passport or embassy travel document. Renew it first if it has expired.
- Register with the embassy online if you need a document. It is free and needs no agent.
- Find an employer willing to take your transfer and ask them to use the Qiwa service (or Musaned for domestic workers).
- Book on Absher if you need to visit a Jawazat correction centre. You do not need an Absher account to book this appointment.
- Get the medical test done where required, and keep copies of every receipt and confirmation.
- Avoid middlemen. Anyone charging money to "register" you is not part of the official process.
Once you are back on a valid permit, read our guides on Saudi shared housing rules for workers and end-of-service pay and annual leave.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When does the Saudi status correction for Yemenis end?
It started on 11 October 2026 and was announced as a two-month programme. No exact closing date was given in the reports, so apply as early as possible.
Can a Yemeni worker with a huroob (absence) report change employer?
Yes. Under this drive, a Yemeni worker with a valid travel document can have the absence report cancelled and move to a new employer through Qiwa (professional workers) or Musaned (domestic workers).
Does the new employer have to pay the old work permit fees?
No, for eligible cases. Qiwa says overdue work permit levies for Yemeni professional workers reported absent before 16 June 2026 are cancelled on transfer, and new fees start from the transfer date.
Is registration with the Yemeni embassy enough?
No. The embassy said online registration is free and is only a first step. It does not approve the case or finish the correction process.
Apply only through the official source.
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