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Saudi Arabia Extends Work Permit Correction Period
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has extended the correction period for certain work permit situations involving expatriate workers.
Eligible establishments now have until 31 December 2026 to complete the required correction procedures for workers covered by the announcement.
Which Workers Are Covered?
According to HRSD, the extension covers certain expatriate workers whose:
- Work permit has been expired for more than 12 months.
- Work permit has not been issued for more than six months from the date they joined the establishment.
The extension does not automatically apply to every expatriate worker or every expired work permit.
New Deadline
The new correction deadline is:
31 December 2026
Eligible establishments should review the affected workers' records and complete the required procedures before the deadline.
What Does This Mean for Expats?
For workers covered by the announcement, the extension gives their employer additional time to correct the relevant work permit situation.
If you believe you may be affected, speak with your employer or HR department and ask them to verify your work permit status and eligibility.
Is This a General Extension?
No.
The December 2026 deadline is not a general extension for all expired work permits.
It applies only to the specific cases identified by HRSD. Workers should therefore confirm whether their individual situation qualifies before relying on the extended deadline.
What Should Employers Do?
Employers should review their expatriate workers' records and complete the applicable correction procedures through the relevant HRSD services.
They should also verify the latest requirements directly with HRSD, as government procedures may change.
Key Details
- Authority: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD)
- Deadline: 31 December 2026
- Covered cases: Certain expatriate work permit situations
- Important: Not a general extension for all expired work permits
Final Takeaway
The correction period for certain expatriate work permit cases in Saudi Arabia has been extended until 31 December 2026.
If you think your work permit situation may qualify, check with your employer and verify the requirements through the official HRSD channels.