Qiwa has stated that non-Saudi employees’ registration must be cancelled if their work permits have expired, or if they have remained without a valid work permit for more than three months after 30 June 2026, regardless of residency status. The rule was reported in May 2026, citing Okaz and Saudi Gazette. What it means for you: an expat whose employer stops renewing the work permit can lose Qiwa registration entirely — which blocks transfers, contract documentation, and services — so permit status must be checked, not just iqama status. Source: Okaz / Saudi Gazette. Related: Resigning in Saudi Arabia — Article 79 Bis (https://gulfexpatrights.com/resignation-saudi-arabia-79-bis/) and Iqama renewal fees (https://gulfexpatrights.com/iqama-renewal-fee-2026/).