Saudi Arabia Introduces Flexible Iqama Renewal Options for Domestic Workers

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new flexible Iqama renewal system for domestic workers, allowing employers to choose shorter residency periods instead of being limited to traditional one- or two-year renewals.

The new service, announced by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Musaned platform, is available through Absher.

Iqama renewals now available from 3 to 24 months

Under the updated system, employers can issue or renew domestic workers’ residency permits for the following periods:

•    3 months
•    6 months
•    9 months
•    12 months
•    15 months
•    18 months
•    21 months
•    24 months

Previously, domestic workers’ Iqamas were generally renewed for one or two years.

Employers can pay according to the selected period

The new system also provides greater flexibility in managing residency-related costs.

Employers pay the applicable Iqama fees for the period they select. For renewals covering three months or multiples of three months, payments can effectively be managed on a quarterly basis.
This means employers no longer need to commit to the full cost of a one- or two-year renewal when a shorter validity period better suits their circumstances.

Applications available through Absher

The flexible renewal service is integrated into Saudi Arabia’s digital government-services system.

Employers can manage eligible domestic workers’ residency permits through Absher, making it easier to select the required renewal period and complete the associated procedures electronically.
Greater flexibility for households

The new option is expected to benefit households employing domestic workers by allowing them to better manage residency expenses and choose a validity period that matches their needs.

The move is also part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to modernise government services, expand digital procedures and make residency-related processes more convenient.

The introduction of shorter Iqama renewal periods gives domestic-worker employers more flexibility while maintaining a structured system for managing residency permits in the Kingdom.