Qiwa platform clarifies grace period after expat resignation, next steps

Qiwa has specified the grace period for expatriate workers after they resign, when they may transfer to a new job, and the procedures if the deadline expires.

Grace period after expatriate resignation

According to Qiwa, expatriate workers are granted a 60-day grace period after their contract ends and its status changes to "expired." During this period, the worker may transfer their services, leave Saudi Arabia permanently, or re-contract with the same employer.

Qiwa added that if the grace period ends without action, the worker will be reported as absent. However, the transfer service remains available after the grace period, provided the worker has resided in the Kingdom for more than 12 months.

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Removing an expatriate worker from an establishment

Qiwa outlined the main cases in which an expatriate worker can be removed from an establishment, noting that employers can complete this process electronically via the platform.

The platform explained that removal may occur in cases such as transfer of services, permanent departure from the Kingdom, reporting absence from work (if there is no valid contract), or termination of the contractual relationship.

Unilateral termination of employment contract

Qiwa confirmed that if a contract exists between the employee and the establishment, either party may terminate the contract.

If there is no documented contract between the employee and the establishment, Qiwa listed the cases in which the employee's name is removed from the establishment:

1- The employee is absent from work for more than 60 days

2- The employee has a final exit visa and has left the Kingdom

3- The employee has transferred to another establishment

4- Upon termination of the contractual relationship. If no action is taken regarding transfer, final exit, or re-contracting during the notice or grace period, the worker is considered absent.