Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has opened a two-month window for Yemeni nationals who lack legal status in the Kingdom to regularize it. According to a Saudi Press Agency statement dated 11 October 2026, the process began that Sunday and runs across all regions through the Qiwa and Musaned platforms, in coordination with Absher. It covers Yemeni workers whose residency permits have expired and those who have been reported absent from work. This page summarises what the ministry announced and what Yemeni workers, and others following the story, should check.
- Start and length: began Sunday 11 October 2026 and continues for two months in all regions.
- Who is covered: Yemeni nationals who lack legal status and are covered by the directives, including workers with expired residency and workers reported absent.
- Condition: valid travel documents, and meeting the approved procedures and regulations.
- Platforms: Qiwa for professional workers and Musaned for support workers, coordinated with Absher. No visit to a government office is needed.
- What it allows: absence reports can be cancelled and the worker can transfer to another employer who needs their services.
What the Ministry Announced
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announced by | Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, via the Saudi Press Agency, 11 October 2026 |
| Duration | Two months from 11 October, across all regions |
| Eligible group | Yemeni workers without legal status who are covered by the directives: expired residency permits, or reported absent from work |
| Requirement | Valid travel documents and compliance with approved procedures |
| Transfers | Workers with expired residency can transfer to another employer who needs their services |
| Absence reports | Workers reported absent can have the reports cancelled and transfer to a new employer |
| Platforms | Qiwa for professional workers, Musaned for support workers, with Absher integration |
Gulf Insider reported that the move follows a recent royal directive. The ministry said the aim is to improve labour market efficiency and safeguard the rights of all parties to the contractual relationship.
What Yemeni Workers Should Check
1. Your travel document
The ministry says valid travel documents are required. If your passport has expired, check the renewal route with your embassy or consulate first, because the process depends on it.
2. Your status on Absher and Qiwa
Check whether your residency is expired and whether an absence report is recorded. Your status determines which route applies, and the ministry describes online services that avoid office visits.
3. Which platform applies to you
Professional workers use Qiwa. Support workers, such as household and similar workers, use Musaned. Use only these official platforms.
4. A new employer, if you need one
The transfer route needs an employer who wants your services. Get the offer and contract details in writing before you agree, and use the employer’s own account on the platform. Our guide to checking and authenticating your contract on Qiwa explains how to confirm the terms.
5. No payments to “agents”
The ministry describes these as free online services. Anyone offering to “cancel a report” or “speed up” your case for money is a warning sign. See our Saudi job scams checklist.
What This Means If You Are Not Yemeni
This window is specific to Yemeni nationals covered by the directives. Other workers reported absent do not gain these terms. For the general Qiwa route for some absent workers, read our reports on the absent worker rule and on Qiwa transfers for some absent workers. Employers should also note the extended deadline for correcting expired work permits, covered by HRSD announcements this year. To understand enforcement more broadly, see our report on the weekly residency and labour crackdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saudi Arabia’s Yemeni worker regularization start?
HRSD said it began on Sunday 11 October 2026 and will continue for two months across all regions of the Kingdom.
Who can use the regularization?
Yemeni nationals who lack legal status and are covered by the directives, including workers whose residency permits have expired and those reported absent from work.
What documents are required?
The ministry says valid travel documents are required, along with meeting the approved procedures and regulations.
Which platform should I use, Qiwa or Musaned?
Professional workers use Qiwa and support workers use Musaned. Both work together with the Absher platform.
Can an absence report be cancelled?
According to the ministry, workers reported absent can have their absence reports cancelled and transfer to other employers who need their services.
Do I have to pay an agent to use this service?
No. The ministry describes online services through official platforms. Treat any request for payment to process your case as a scam warning.
Sources
- Saudi Press Agency: Human Resources Ministry enables Yemeni workers to regularize their status through Qiwa and Musaned platforms (11 October 2026)
- Gulf Insider: HR Ministry enables illegal Yemenis to regularize status through Qiwa, Musaned platforms (12 October 2026)
Last updated: 18 October 2026. This summary is based on the ministry’s statement. Eligibility and procedures are set by HRSD and its directives, so confirm your case on Qiwa, Musaned or Absher. This is general information, not legal advice.