In a recent response to a user query, the Saudi Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) has provided further clarification on the rules for renewing residency permits, known as Iqamas, for both domestic and commercial workers in the Kingdom.

The user had asked whether it is possible to renew the Iqama for a private driver with 7 months remaining until the end of the residency period. In its reply, the Jawazat stated that the residency identity for domestic workers, which includes private drivers, can be renewed if the validity period is less than 14 months.

This means that employers can renew the Iqama for their domestic staff, such as maids, drivers, and nannies, as long as the current permit has less than 14 months remaining before expiration.

For commercial workers, the Jawazat clarified that the Iqama can be renewed if the validity period is less than 6 months, provided that the worker also has a valid work permit and health insurance policy.

Expatriate workers and their employers are advised to closely monitor the validity of their Iqamas and initiate the renewal process in a timely manner to comply with the regulations. Failure to renew the Iqama before the expiry date can result in fines and other penalties.