Tips, how-tos and explainers on Iqama, visas, jobs, banking, driving and everyday life in the Kingdom.
In a major relief for businesses and foreign workers, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has officially extended the grace period to regularize expired or missing work permits until December 31, 2026 .
14 Jul 2026The old method of dividing expat professions into simple "professional" and "non-professional" categories is gone. In 2026, Saudi Arabia is fully enforcing the Skill-Based Classification System , aligned with the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO) .
14 Jul 2026Exiting Saudi Arabia permanently (Khuruj Nihai) requires careful planning under the updated 2026 immigration guidelines. The Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) has tightened the rules surrounding the issuance and validity of Final Exit Visas.
14 Jul 2026For decades, buying real estate in Saudi Arabia was extremely difficult for foreign residents. However, 2026 marks a historic milestone as the Saudi government has fully integrated the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) platform with the national Iqama database.
14 Jul 2026If you want to live in Saudi Arabia without being tied to a traditional corporate sponsor (Kafala), the Premium Residency Program is your best pathway. In 2026, the Premium Residency Center has expanded its categories, placing a huge focus on the Special Talent Residency .
14 Jul 2026One of the most common stressful situations for expats in Saudi Arabia is when their employer fails to renew their Iqama, leaving them in an irregular status.
14 Jul 2026Saudi Arabia’s transition into a paperless digital government is fully complete in 2026. For expatriates, two portals control almost every aspect of professional and personal life: Absher and Qiwa .
14 Jul 2026As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, the tech sector has become the primary driver of high-paying jobs for both local and expat professionals. Massive investments in smart cities like NEOM, along with the digitalization of government services, have created a massive shortage of tech talent.
14 Jul 2026Everything you need to renew your Saudi Iqama online through Absher and Muqeem, including fees, timing and common mistakes to avoid.
08 Jul 2026