Saudi Arabia’s new decision to provide relief to expatriates; Iqama can be renewed for three months | Saudi Arabia’s new decision to provide relief to expatriates; Iqama can be renewed for three months

Riyadh: The work permit and identity document of foreign workers working in Saudi Arabia can now be renewed for three months. Earlier it was given for at least a year. The Saudi cabinet has approved the new decision.

Iqama was obtained only on payment of one year’s amount as per the earlier order. But under the new order, the iqama can be renewed for another three months. It is estimated that the revised decision will benefit many workers and employers.

At the same time, foreign workers associated with domestic work cannot renew their Iqama for only three months. They have to renew the Iqama for one year by paying a minimum fee of 600 riyals. From next March, foreign workers will be allowed to leave Saudi Arabia and change sponsorship without the permission of sponsors. In this case, the iqama and the work permit are allowed to be renewed for three months.