Saudi Work Permit Check 2026: Check Status, Validity & Expiry

A Saudi work permit (رخصة العمل) allows an expatriate worker to work legally in Saudi Arabia. You can manage work permits through Qiwa, the official service channel listed by MHRSD. A work permit differs from an Iqama, which proves residency.

Information	Where to check/manage
Work permit	Qiwa / MHRSD services
Employment status	MHRSD services
Iqama	Absher / Muqeem
Employer services	Qiwa / Absher Business
Work permit renewal	Qiwa

MHRSD states that its Issue and Renew Work License service helps establishments issue work permits for expatriate workers. The service operates through Qiwa.

The work permit and Iqama serve different purposes. The work permit relates to employment, while the Iqama identifies a resident. MHRSD also links a valid work permit with regular residency services for expatriate workers.

What Is a Saudi Work Permit?

A Saudi work permit is an official work authorization for an expatriate employee. In Arabic, it is called رخصة العمل.

It connects the worker with the employer and the Saudi labor system. The employer must issue the work permit for an expatriate worker within the required period after entry into Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) regulates the work-license system. Its official Issue and Renew Work License service allows establishments to issue and renew work permits for expatriate workers. For a broader employment check, see our guide on Worker Status Check to learn how to verify an expatriate worker’s status in Saudi Arabia.

Who Needs a Saudi Work Permit?

Expatriate employees working in Saudi Arabia generally need a valid work permit under the applicable labor rules.

The employer handles the work-permit process through the official labor-services system. The permit is important for maintaining the worker’s employment and residency records.

Work Permit and Iqama Are Not the Same

A work permit and an Iqama are different records.

• Work permit: Relates to the worker’s employment authorization.
• Iqama: Relates to the worker’s legal residency identity.
• Work permit service: Managed through the MHRSD labor-services system and Qiwa.
• Iqama services: Handled through Saudi residency and passport-service channels.

MHRSD states that a work permit is one of the conditions connected with issuing or renewing regular residency. This shows the relationship between the two records, but they are not the same document.

Which Authority Regulates the Work Permit?

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) regulates the work-license service.

For the official issue and renewal process, MHRSD lists Qiwa as the service channel.

Official source: MHRSD — Issue and Renew Work License

Saudi Work Permit Check Online — Quick Process

How to Check Saudi Work Permit Status Online in 2026

The official work-permit process is handled through the Qiwa platform. MHRSD lists Qiwa as the service channel for issuing and renewing work licenses.

The exact information and options you see can depend on your account type and authorization. An employee may not see the same options as an establishment representative.

Use this general process:

Step 1: Open the Official Qiwa Platform

Start with the official Qiwa platform.

Qiwa provides digital labor services connected with the Saudi labor system. MHRSD identifies Qiwa as the service channel for its work-license issue and renewal service.

Step 2: Sign In

Sign in using your authorized Qiwa account.

Your available services can depend on whether you access Qiwa as an employee, establishment representative, or another authorized user.

Do not enter your Qiwa, Absher, or banking credentials on an unofficial website.

Step 3: Open the Relevant Work-License Service

After signing in, look for the work-license or work-permit service available to your account.

MHRSD’s official service is called Issue and Renew Work License. The exact menu wording in Qiwa may change over time.

Step 4: Select the Relevant Worker

For establishment-side access, the authorized user can select the relevant expatriate worker.

MHRSD’s documented process allows the establishment to select expatriate workers who need a work license issued or renewed.

Step 5: Review the Available Work-Permit Information

Review the information available for the selected worker.

Depending on your access and the service, relevant information may include:

• Work-permit status
• Validity information
• Expiry information
• Renewal eligibility
• Payment or request information
• Related service requirements

Do not assume every Qiwa account displays all of these fields. The available information depends on the user’s role and the current service interface.

Step 6: Take Action if Renewal Is Required

If the work permit requires renewal, the authorized establishment user can follow the available renewal process in Qiwa.

MHRSD currently states that establishments can renew a work permit when 180 days or less remain before its expiry date. After payment, MHRSD says the license status can take about one hour to update.

If the updated work-permit status does not immediately appear in passport-related systems, MHRSD says payment status can take up to 24 hours to update there.

Important Note About Online Work Permit Checks

There is an important difference between an official work-license service and a random website claiming to provide a “work permit checker.”

For accurate information, use official Saudi government platforms. Do not provide your Iqama number, password, OTP, or other sensitive login information to unofficial websites.

The official MHRSD service confirms that work-license issue and renewal services are provided through Qiwa.

Can You Check a Saudi Work Permit Using an Iqama Number?

Saudi Work Permit Check by Iqama Number

An Iqama number is the identification number linked to a foreign resident in Saudi Arabia.

Many workers search for Saudi work permit check by Iqama number because the Iqama identifies the worker in Saudi government systems.

However, an Iqama number does not automatically mean that a public website can display the worker’s complete work-permit record.

The official work-license process operates through the Saudi labor-services system. MHRSD lists Qiwa as the service channel for issuing and renewing work licenses for expatriate workers. (MHRSD)

Iqama Number vs Work-Permit Information

These two things have different purposes:

• Iqama number: Identifies the resident worker.
• Work permit: Relates to the worker’s employment authorization.
• Work-permit check: Reviews the available work-license record.
• Qiwa access: Depends on the user’s account and authorization.

Therefore, identifying a worker is not the same as displaying their work-permit information.

An authorized employer or user may need to access the appropriate Qiwa service to view or manage work-license information. The exact information depends on the account’s permissions and the current platform interface.

Does the Official Service Use Iqama Information?

Iqama-related worker information can help identify the correct employee within Saudi government systems.

But you should not assume that entering an Iqama number into a random website will provide an official work-permit result.

For reliable information, use the official Saudi government service connected with your account and authorization.

Safety tip: Never enter your Iqama number, password, OTP, or Absher/Qiwa credentials on an unofficial website claiming to provide a government work-permit check.

How to Check Work Permit Validity

How to Check Saudi Work Permit Validity

Work permit validity tells you whether the permit remains active or has reached its expiry date.

For an accurate result, check the current official record. Do not rely on an old screenshot, message, or document.

MHRSD provides the official Issue and Renew Work License service through Qiwa. The service covers work-license issue and renewal for expatriate workers. (MHRSD)

When reviewing a work-permit record, focus on the current status and validity information available to your authorized account.

Work Permit Status and What It Means

Status	Meaning	What to do
Valid	The permit is currently active.	Continue monitoring its expiry date.
Expired	The permit validity has ended.	Contact the employer or authorized representative.
Pending	A request or payment may still be processing.	Allow the official system time to update.
Not showing	The record may not have updated yet.	Verify through the appropriate official channel.

Why Check the Current Record?

Work-permit information can change after an issue, renewal, or payment process.

MHRSD states that Qiwa license status can take about one hour to update after payment. Payment status in passport-related systems can take up to 24 hours. (MHRSD)

This is why an old screenshot may not reflect the worker’s current status.

What If the Permit Is Expired?

An expired work permit requires attention from the employer or authorized establishment representative.

Do not assume that renewing the Iqama automatically renews the work permit. They are separate records and services.

Check the official work-license record and follow the available renewal process when required.

How to Check Saudi Work Permit Expiry Date

Saudi Work Permit Expiry Check

The Saudi work permit expiry date shows when the current work license stops being valid.

Checking this date helps employers and workers avoid problems caused by an expired permit.

For an accurate result, check the current official record through the relevant Saudi labor-service system. Do not rely on an old screenshot or message.

MHRSD states that establishments can renew a work permit when 180 days or less remain before its expiry date. The official work-license service is available through Qiwa.

Work Permit Expiry vs Iqama Expiry

A work permit and Iqama have separate expiry information.

The work permit relates to the worker’s employment record. The Iqama relates to residency identification.

They are connected, but they are not the same document. MHRSD states that a work permit is one condition connected with issuing or renewing regular residency.

What Happens When a Work Permit Expires?

An expired work permit needs attention from the employer or authorized establishment representative.

The employer should check the official record and take the appropriate renewal action when eligible.

Do not assume that an active Iqama means the work permit is also valid. Always verify the relevant record separately.

Keep the Expiry Date Up to Date

Work-permit information can change after renewal or payment.

MHRSD says the Qiwa license status can take about one hour to update after payment. Payment status in passport-related systems can take up to 24 hours.

Therefore, check the latest official record before making decisions about work-permit validity.

Saudi Work Permit vs Iqama

Saudi Work Permit vs Iqama: What’s the Difference?

A Saudi work permit and an Iqama serve different purposes.

The work permit relates to employment. The Iqama identifies a foreign resident in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding this difference helps prevent confusion when checking status, expiry, or renewal.

Feature	Work Permit	Iqama
Arabic	رخصة العمل	هوية مقيم
Main purpose	Employment authorization	Residency identification
Related authority	MHRSD	Ministry of Interior
Main platforms	Qiwa / labor services	Absher / related residency services
Applies to	Expatriate employment	Foreign resident status
Renewal	Mainly employer/establishment-side	Residency/employer process

MHRSD provides the official work-license service through Qiwa. Absher Business provides services for issuing and renewing the Resident ID for establishment workers.

How Are the Work Permit and Iqama Connected?

The two records work together within the Saudi employment and residency system.

MHRSD states that a work permit is one condition for issuing or renewing regular residency.

Absher’s official business guide also lists validity of the work permit among the conditions for renewing a worker’s Iqama.

This does not mean the two documents are identical.

Think of them this way:

Work permit = employment-related record

Iqama = residency identification

You may need to check both when dealing with employment or residency matters in Saudi Arabia.

Who Issues and Manages the Saudi Work Permit?

Who Is Responsible for a Saudi Work Permit?

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) regulates the work-license service.

The official MHRSD service allows establishments to issue and renew work permits for expatriate workers. MHRSD lists Qiwa as the service channel.

The responsibility is therefore shared across different roles.

MHRSD

MHRSD regulates the labor and work-license system.

It provides the official rules and the Issue and Renew Work License service for establishments.

Qiwa

Qiwa is the official digital service channel listed by MHRSD for work-license issue and renewal.

Employers and authorized users use the platform to manage relevant labor services.

Employer or Establishment

The employer or establishment has the main operational responsibility for the worker’s work permit.

MHRSD’s documented process starts with selecting the establishment and then selecting the relevant work-license service and expatriate workers.

This is important for workers.

You may search online for a simple “work permit check” page but not find one that works like a public Iqama checker. Many work-permit actions are establishment-side services.

Authorized HR Representative

An employer may use an authorized representative to manage relevant services.

The exact access depends on the user’s role and permissions within the official platform.

Employee’s Role

The employee should monitor their employment and residency records and raise issues with the employer when something appears incorrect.

However, the employee may not have the same work-license management options as the establishment.

This explains why two people can see different services after signing in.

Why This Matters for Work Permit Checks

A reliable work-permit guide should not promise that every worker can enter an Iqama number and see the complete work-license record.

The official MHRSD service is designed around establishments and authorized access.

So, if you cannot find a worker-side work-permit screen, contact your employer or authorized HR representative and ask them to verify the official record.

Saudi Work Permit Renewal 2026

How to Renew a Saudi Work Permit

The employer or authorized establishment representative manages work-permit renewal through Qiwa.

The general process is:

1. Access Qiwa: The authorized employer opens the official Qiwa platform.
2. Open the relevant service: Select the available work-license issue or renewal service.
3. Select the worker: Choose the expatriate employee whose permit needs renewal.
4. Review the requirements: Check the worker and establishment information before continuing.
5. Complete payment: Pay the applicable amount shown through the official service.
6. Check the updated status: Return to the relevant service after payment and verify the updated record.
7. Confirm related records: Check related employment or residency records when needed.

How Long Does Renewal Take?

After payment, the work-license status in Qiwa can take about one hour to update.

Payment status in passport-related systems can take up to 24 hours.

If the record does not update within the expected period, verify the payment and contact the employer or authorized representative.

Saudi Work Permit Fees 2026

Saudi Work Permit Fees and Payment

Saudi work-permit costs can include more than one type of charge.

This is why you should not treat every labor-related payment as the same work permit fee.

The main categories include:

Charge	What it means
Work-license fee	The fee connected with the official work-license service.
Financial consideration / levy	A separate employment-related financial obligation that may apply to an expatriate worker.
Other charges	Additional government or service charges may apply depending on the situation.
Renewal payment	The amount shown when processing the work-license renewal through the official service.

MHRSD’s official service currently lists a SAR 100 work-license service fee. This should not be confused with the financial consideration or other employment-related charges.

Why the Total Cost Can Differ

The amount involved in a work-permit transaction can depend on the worker, establishment, and applicable rules.

For this reason, always check the amount displayed in the official service before making payment.

Do not rely on a third-party website showing one fixed “total work permit cost” unless an official Saudi source supports that exact amount.

Work Permit Fee vs Financial Consideration

These terms should remain separate.

The work-license fee relates to the official work-license service.

The financial consideration or levy is a separate employment-related obligation.

Keeping these charges separate prevents confusion when checking Saudi work permit fees in 2026.

How Long Does Work Permit Status Take to Update?

Saudi Work Permit Payment and Status Update Time

A work-permit renewal may not appear immediately after payment.

MHRSD states that the work-license status in Qiwa can take about one hour to update after payment.

Payment status in passport-related systems, such as Absher Business and Muqeem, can take up to 24 hours to update.

Quick Answer

How long does a Saudi work permit take to update?

Allow about 1 hour for the Qiwa license status after payment. Other passport-related systems may take up to 24 hours to reflect the payment status.

What If My Work Permit Still Isn’t Updated After 24 Hours?

If the record remains unchanged after the expected update period, do not make another payment immediately.

Follow these checks:

1. Verify the payment: Confirm that the payment was completed successfully.
2. Check Qiwa: Review the current work-license status in the authorized account.
3. Check the worker details: Make sure the correct employee was selected.
4. Check related systems: Review the relevant residency or passport-service record.
5. Contact the employer: Ask the authorized HR representative to verify the transaction.
6. Contact official support: If the payment was successful but the record remains incorrect, use the relevant official support channel.

Do Not Pay Twice Without Verification

A delayed update does not automatically mean that the transaction failed.

First confirm the payment and transaction status through the official system.

If the payment succeeded, give the system the stated processing time before taking further action.

Work Permit Not Showing in Muqeem

Why Is My Work Permit Not Showing in Muqeem?

A work permit may not appear immediately in a related system after a renewal or payment.

MHRSD states that the work-license status in Qiwa can take about one hour to update after payment. Payment status in passport-related systems can take up to 24 hours.

Possible reasons include:

• Recent payment: The transaction may still be within the official update window.
• System synchronization: The payment or renewed record may still be updating between systems.
• Employer-side issue: The establishment may need to verify the worker’s record or transaction.
• Permit status issue: The work license may not have completed the expected process.
• Incorrect worker information: The employer may need to verify the selected worker’s details.
• Expired permit: The existing permit may require the appropriate renewal action.
• Service eligibility: The worker or establishment may not meet the requirements for the requested service.

These are practical possibilities. They do not mean that every missing record has the same cause.

What Should You Do?

Follow this order:

First: Wait for the official update window.

If the payment was recent, allow the stated processing time before assuming something went wrong.

Second: Check Qiwa.

The official MHRSD work-license service uses Qiwa as its service channel. Verify the current work-license status through the authorized account.

Third: Ask the employer or HR representative to verify the record.

Work-license issue and renewal are establishment-side services. Your employer or authorized representative may have access to information you cannot see.

Fourth: Contact the relevant official authority if the problem remains.

Keep your payment or transaction details available when requesting support.

Important: Do not make another payment simply because the record has not appeared yet. First verify the original transaction status.

Work Permit Not Showing in Absher

Why Is My Work Permit Not Showing in Absher?

A common source of confusion is expecting Absher to display the same work-license information available through Qiwa.

These platforms serve different parts of the Saudi government system.

Qiwa → labor and work-license services

Absher Business / Muqeem → residency and passport-related services

MHRSD lists Qiwa as the service channel for its official work-license issue and renewal service.

Absher Business, meanwhile, provides employer services connected with resident identity and other Ministry of Interior services.

Therefore, a work-permit record not appearing where you expect in Absher does not automatically mean that the work permit is invalid.

What Should You Check?

If your work permit does not appear in an Absher-related record:

1. Check the work-license information through the authorized Qiwa service.
2. Confirm that any recent payment has had enough time to update.
3. Ask your employer or HR representative to verify the worker’s record.
4. Check the relevant residency record separately.
5. Contact the appropriate official support channel if the information remains incorrect.

Qiwa, Absher, and Muqeem Are Not Identical

Do not use the three platforms as if they were interchangeable.

Qiwa is the important channel for the MHRSD work-license service.

Absher Business supports employer services within the Ministry of Interior system.

Muqeem is connected with employer-side resident and passport-related services.

A missing work-permit display in one system should therefore be investigated using the correct official service.

What Happens When a Saudi Work Permit Expires?

What Happens If a Saudi Work Permit Expires?

An expired work permit means the current work-license validity period has ended.

The employer or authorized establishment representative should address the expired permit through the appropriate official process.

MHRSD provides the work-license issue and renewal service through Qiwa. Its current service information states that renewal can be requested when 180 days or less remain before expiry.

Employment Implications

A work permit is an important part of an expatriate worker’s employment record.

An expired permit can therefore require prompt attention from the employer.

Do not assume that an active Iqama automatically means the work permit is also valid. The two records serve different purposes.

What About the Iqama?

The work permit and Iqama are connected but separate.

MHRSD states that a work permit is one condition connected with issuing or renewing regular residency.

This means workers should not treat an Iqama expiry check as a substitute for a work-permit check.

Check the relevant records separately.

Who Is Responsible for Renewal?

The employer or authorized establishment representative normally handles the work-license renewal process.

If your work permit has expired, contact your employer or HR representative promptly.

Ask them to verify:

• Current work-license status
• Renewal eligibility
• Payment status
• Worker information
• Related residency records

Are There Fines or Penalties?

Do not rely on a generic website claiming a fixed penalty for every expired work permit.

The consequences can depend on the applicable Saudi regulations and the specific circumstances.

For this reason, this article does not state an unsupported fixed fine.

Always check the latest official MHRSD rules and applicable Saudi regulations before relying on a penalty amount.

New Expatriate Worker Work Permit

When Should a New Expatriate Worker Get a Work Permit?

A new expatriate worker should have a work permit issued within the first 90 days after entering Saudi Arabia.

MHRSD’s current Issue and Renew Work License service places this responsibility on the establishment. The ministry states that the facility must issue the work permit within the first 90 days after the worker enters the Kingdom.

The work permit is important because it forms part of the employment and residency process for expatriate workers.

What If 90 Days Pass Without a Work Permit?

Do not assume that the worker can simply wait for the permit to appear.

The employer should check the worker’s record and take the appropriate action through the official labor-services system.

MHRSD also provides a specific service for certain cases where an expatriate entered the Kingdom and remained for more than 90 days without a work permit. That service is an exceptional, limited work permit process for transferring the worker’s services under specific conditions.

Therefore, the 90-day rule should not be treated as a general grace period for employers to ignore work-permit requirements.

If the permit has not been issued, the worker should contact the employer or authorized HR representative promptly.

Saudi Work Permit Correction Deadline 2026

Saudi Work Permit Correction Deadline 2026

MHRSD has extended a temporary grace period until December 31, 2026 for certain expatriate work-permit situations.

The measure covers specific cases where establishments need to correct workers’ statuses. It is not a general extension for every worker in Saudi Arabia.

Who May Qualify?

According to MHRSD, the correction window covers:

• Expatriate workers whose work permits expired more than 12 months ago.
• Expatriate workers for whom a work permit was not issued for more than 6 months from the date they joined the establishment.

The ministry extended the grace period until December 31, 2026.

Is This a General Extension?

No.

This is an important distinction.

The announcement applies to the specific work-permit situations identified by MHRSD. It does not mean that every expired work permit receives an automatic extension until December 31, 2026.

Eligibility and the required correction procedure must be confirmed through the official process.

What Should Employers and Workers Do?

If a worker may fall within one of these categories:

1. Ask the employer or authorized HR representative to review the worker’s record.
2. Confirm whether the case meets the official correction conditions.
3. Follow the applicable MHRSD/Qiwa process.
4. Complete the required correction before December 31, 2026.

MHRSD has urged establishments and workers to correct qualifying cases before the deadline. It also warned that prescribed statutory procedures can apply when the status remains uncorrected after the grace period.

Common Saudi Work Permit Problems

Common Saudi Work Permit Check Problems and Solutions

Work-permit problems often involve payment, account access, renewal, or record updates.

Use the official service first instead of relying on third-party checkers.

Problem	Possible reason	Recommended action
Status not updated	Recent payment	Wait for the official update period.
Permit expired	Renewal is required	Contact the employer or authorized HR representative.
Cannot access service	Account type or authorization	Check the authorized Qiwa account.
Not showing in Muqeem	Recent system update	Verify the work-license record in Qiwa first.
Payment completed but status pending	Processing is still underway	Allow the stated update time.
Worker not eligible	Service conditions may not be met	Check the applicable Qiwa/MHRSD requirements.
Wrong worker information	Record or selection issue	Ask the employer to verify the worker’s details.

MHRSD states that Qiwa license status can take about one hour after payment, while payment status in passport-related systems can take up to 24 hours.

If the problem continues after the expected update period, the employer or authorized representative should verify the transaction and contact the relevant official support channel.

Qiwa vs Muqeem vs Absher vs MHRSD

Qiwa vs Muqeem vs Absher: Which Service Should You Use?

Saudi government platforms have different roles.

Using the right platform makes it easier to find the correct service and avoid misleading information.

Platform	Main purpose
Qiwa	Labor and employment services, including work-license services
MHRSD	Labor ministry services, regulations, and employment-related inquiries
Muqeem	Employer-side residency and passport-related services
Absher	Saudi government individual and business services

Need Work-License Management?

Use Qiwa.

MHRSD officially lists Qiwa as the service channel for issuing and renewing work licenses.

Need Labor Ministry Information?

Check MHRSD.

MHRSD publishes labor regulations, official services, announcements, and employment-related information.

Need Residency or Passport-Related Employer Services?

Use the appropriate Muqeem or Absher Business service.

These systems operate within the Ministry of Interior’s residency and passport-service ecosystem.

MHRSD specifically explains that payment status for a renewed work permit may take up to 24 hours to appear in passport systems such as Absher Business or Muqeem.

Need Individual Government Services?

Use Absher when the required service belongs to its government-service system.

The important point is that these platforms are not interchangeable.

Work Permit vs Labor Card vs Work License

Are Work Permit, Labor Card, and Work License the Same?

You may see several names for a Saudi work permit online.

Work permit, work license, and labor card often refer to the same general employment-related concept. However, they do not all represent the current official terminology.

MHRSD’s current service uses the term work license in its official service name: Issue and Renew Work License. The service covers work permits for expatriate workers and is provided through Qiwa.

Common Terms Explained

Term	How it is commonly used
Work permit	Common English term for the expatriate worker’s employment-related authorization.
Work license	Current official MHRSD terminology used for the relevant government service.
Labor card	Older or commonly used term in searches for a worker’s employment-related permit.
Maktab Amal	Arabic term associated with Saudi labor offices.
MOL	Older abbreviation commonly used for Saudi labor-related searches.

What About MOL and Maktab Amal?

Many older articles still use terms such as MOL work permit check, MOL KSA, or Maktab Amal work permit check.

These terms remain useful when searching for older information.

However, you should not assume that an old article describes the current process.

Saudi labor services have moved toward newer digital platforms. MHRSD currently identifies Qiwa as the service channel for its work-license issue and renewal service.

So, if you search for MOL work permit check Saudi Arabia, you may be looking for information that now belongs to the current MHRSD and Qiwa ecosystem.

Official Saudi Work Permit Sources

Official Saudi Work Permit Websites

For Saudi work-permit information, always start with official government sources.

1. MHRSD

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) regulates labor-related services and provides official information about work licenses.

Its Issue and Renew Work License service explains the requirements, timing, and service channel. MHRSD lists Qiwa as the channel for this service.

Official source: MHRSD — Issue and Renew Work License

2. Qiwa

Qiwa is the digital labor-services platform used for relevant MHRSD services.

For work-license issue and renewal, use the official Qiwa service connected with the authorized establishment account.

Official source: Qiwa

3. Saudi Government Portal

The Saudi government portal provides information about government services and official authorities.

Use it to verify government-service information and locate the responsible authority.

Official source: Saudi Government Portal

4. Absher

Absher provides Saudi government digital services.

For employer-related residency services, Absher Business is relevant. However, it should not be treated as a replacement for the MHRSD work-license service.

5. Muqeem

Muqeem supports employer-side residency and passport-related services.

It can be relevant when checking whether a work-permit payment or update has reached related passport systems.

Avoid Unofficial Checkers

You do not need a random website to verify an official Saudi work-permit record.

Avoid websites that ask for your:

• Iqama number without a clear official purpose
• Password
• OTP
• Absher credentials
• Qiwa credentials
• Banking information

FAQs of Saudi Work Permit Check 2026

1. What is a Saudi work permit?

A Saudi work permit, or رخصة العمل, is an employment-related authorization for an expatriate worker. MHRSD provides the official work-license service through Qiwa.

2. How can I check my Saudi work permit status?

Use the appropriate official work-license service through Qiwa if you have authorized access. Employees may not have the same options as establishment representatives.

3. Can I check my work permit using my Iqama number?

An Iqama number identifies the resident worker, but it does not guarantee public access to the complete work-permit record. Check the appropriate official service based on your account and authorization.

4. How do I check my Saudi work permit expiry date?

Check the current work-license record through the appropriate official service. Do not rely on an old screenshot or document.

5. Where can I check my work permit online?

For the official MHRSD work-license issue and renewal service, Qiwa is the listed service channel.

6. Can I check my work permit through Qiwa?

Yes. Qiwa is the official service channel that MHRSD lists for its work-license issue and renewal service. The information and options available depend on your account and authorization.

7. Is a work permit the same as an Iqama?

No. A work permit relates to employment, while an Iqama relates to residency identification. They are connected but separate records.

8. How do I renew my Saudi work permit?

The employer or authorized establishment representative can manage the renewal through Qiwa. MHRSD states that renewal can be requested when 180 days or less remain before expiry.

9. How much is the Saudi work permit fee?

MHRSD currently lists a SAR 100 work-license service fee. This should not be treated as the total cost of every employment-related charge. Other financial obligations may apply.

10. How long does work permit payment take to update?

MHRSD states that Qiwa license status can take about one hour after payment. Payment status in passport-related systems can take up to 24 hours.

11. Why is my work permit not showing in Muqeem?

A recent payment or system update may explain the delay. Check Qiwa first, then ask the employer or authorized HR representative to verify the record.

12. What happens if my Saudi work permit expires?

The employer or authorized representative should address the expired work permit through the official process. Do not assume that an active Iqama means the work permit is also valid.

13. Who is responsible for renewing a work permit?

The employer or establishment normally handles the work-license renewal through the official labor-services system. An authorized representative may perform the service based on their permissions.

14. When must a new expatriate worker receive a work permit?

MHRSD states that the establishment should issue the work permit within the first 90 days after the expatriate worker enters Saudi Arabia.

15. What is the Saudi work permit correction deadline in 2026?

MHRSD has set a temporary correction window for certain qualifying work-permit cases until December 31, 2026. It does not apply automatically to every worker or every expired permit. Eligibility must be confirmed through the official process.