SynopsisSaudi Arabia has extended the deadline for employers to regularize foreign workers' status. Businesses now have until December 31, 2026, to comply with requirements. This extension applies to workers with expired or missing work permits. Employers must update worker employment status before the new deadline. Failure to comply may result in financial penalties and other consequences.AgenciesRepresentative ImageSaudi Arabia has extended the deadline for employers to regularise the status of foreign workers with long-expired or missing work permits until December 31, 2026, giving businesses an additional six months to complete compliance requirements, according to a report by Fragomen.The extension applies to foreign workers whose work permits expired more than 12 months ago, as well as those who were not issued a work permit within six months of joining an establishment. The previous deadline was June 30, 2026.Also Read: Indian students, H-1B workers may face uncertainty as US plans tighter visa rulesUnder the earlier timeline, foreign workers whose work permits had expired for more than three months were set to be automatically removed from their employers' records on the Qiwa portal after the June deadline. The extension postpones that action and allows employers more time to update workers' employment status.Employers have been advised to review the status of their foreign workforce and renew expired work permits or obtain new permits, wherever required, before the revised deadline.Also Read: New Zealand eases Business Investor Work Visa rules to unlock wider investment opportunitiesAuthorities have warned that employers who fail to regularise the status of eligible workers by December 31, 2026 could face financial penalties and other compliance-related consequences. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now