Regulates the residence of foreigners in Saudi Arabia, work permits, and deportation conditions.
Every foreigner entering the Kingdom must obtain a valid entry visa before arrival.
Priority for regularization is given to foreigners who stayed in the Kingdom for documented humanitarian purposes.
Every legally resident foreigner is issued a residency permit (Iqama) renewed periodically.
A foreigner may not work for an employer other than the one registered on their residency permit without a formal transfer.
Residency violations are penalized by fines, deportation, and re-entry bans.
Employers have the right to notify the competent authorities of a foreign worker's absence from work.
Foreigners are granted a residency permit for one or two years, determined by the type of visa and work.
Legally resident foreigners may sponsor their family per the applicable conditions and regulations.
Employers are obligated to repatriate foreign workers to their home country upon termination of employment.
A foreigner is considered a violator if their residency expires without renewal or after their visa period lapses.