Saudi Arabia tightens Qiwa rules, ties Saudization to Saudi employees

On 12 April 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) 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.

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

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