Qiwa: What if your contract ends without renewal?

After the expiry of your contract in Qiwa, once you pass the 60-day notice period, your record will automatically show as “Absent from Work” and this can lead to deportation with a 3–5 year ban. Let’s break it down step by step.

60-Day Grace Period

When your qiwa contract expires and your employer does not renew it, you will get a 60-day grace period. During this time, your status in Qiwa will show as “Disconnected from Work”. This does not mean absent, but it signals that action is needed. You have three choices during this period:

• Renew your contract with your current employer.

• Transfer to another employer through Qiwa.

• Leave Saudi Arabia on a final exit.

Transfer Without Employer’s Consent

Another important update is that if your contract expires or your Iqama is not renewed, you can transfer to a new employer without your current employer’s approval.

But this option is only available within the 60-day grace period. After that, the system will block any transfer requests.

What Happens After 60 Days?

If you do nothing during the grace period, the consequences are very serious:

• Your status changes to “Absent from Work”

• Your name is removed from your employer’s records and from GOSI.

• You cannot transfer sponsorship anymore.

• Getting a final exit for you and your family becomes very difficult, and will need help from Jawazat and your embassy.

• You face a 3–5 year ban from returning to Saudi Arabia

• Your bank accounts will be frozen

• Automated notifications are sent to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of HRSD, and you will be expected to leave the Kingdom

Once the grace period ends, this process is automatic and irreversible.

What Should Employees Do?

To stay safe and avoid problems, you should:

• Check your Qiwa account regularly for contract updates

• Talk to your employer about renewal before your contract ends

• If you plan to transfer, start the process during the grace period

• Make sure your Iqama is valid at all times

• If you cannot secure a new contract, leave Saudi Arabia on time to avoid a ban or arrest

Final Thoughts

The new Qiwa rules make it very clear: having a valid Iqama is not enough if your contract has expired. The 60-day grace period is your only chance to act. By taking quick steps—renewing, transferring, or exiting—you can avoid losing your legal status in Saudi Arabia.