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16 April 2026

Saudi Arabia tightens Qiwa contract rules and ties Saudization to documented Saudi employees

On 12 April 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced changes that significantly increase the importance of documenting employment contracts on the Qiwa platform. Under the new rules, Qiwa documented contracts will directly impact access to immigration and labor services, as well as Saudization calculations. These changes significantly increase employers’ compliance obligations. Undocumented contracts on Qiwa can affect access to immigration and labor services, disrupt workforce management, and negatively impact Saudization status. Making timely and accurate Qiwa contract documentation is essential to avoid operational risk in the business.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services, and attached below, provides additional details.

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Attachment

Full text of Tax Alert

Document ID: 2026-0881

 

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