KSA Expats Blog
Practical Saudi guides, news updates and explainers for expats living and working in the Kingdom.
Hajj Leave in Saudi Arabia: HRSD Clarifies Rules for Private Sector Employees
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has published guidelines detailing the conditions under which employees in the Kingdom are entitled to paid leave to…
Saudi Arabia Suspends 3 Recruitment Offices, Revokes Licences of 11 Others
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced on Monday the results of its inspection campaign targeting recruitment offices and companies during the first quarter of…
Saudi Arabia Enforces 60% Saudization in Marketing and Sales Jobs Effective Today
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the start of enforcement of two decisions raising localization rates in marketing and sales professions, effective April 19,…
Hajj 2026: Makkah Entry Permit Eligibility & Rules
If you’re an expat living in Saudi Arabia, this is one announcement you really cannot afford to ignore right now. Saudi Arabia has officially activated its Makkah entry…
Saudi HRSD Launches Phase Two of Authenticated Employment Contracts
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the second phase of the “Authenticated Employment Contract as an Enforceable Instrument” initiative, expanding its coverage to…
Saudi Arabia Mandates 100% Saudization for 69 Administrative Jobs
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has issued Ministerial Order No. 132249, mandating 100% Saudization across 69 supporting administrative professions in the private sector. The…
Saudi Arabia Proposes New Regulations to Strengthen Domestic Workers’ Rights
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has published a draft amendment to the Domestic Workers Regulation for public consultation on its “Istitlaa” platform, proposing a…
Saudi Arabia Extends Expired Visas for Stranded Visitors Amid Regional Unrest
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced measures to address the status of foreign nationals holding expired visas who have been unable to leave the Kingdom due to…
What Is Islamic Finance and How Does It Differ from Conventional Banking in Saudi Arabia?
If you’re an expat working in Saudi Arabia, you’ve probably noticed something different about banking here. Terms like “Murabaha,” “Takaful,” and “Sharia-compliant” appear everywhere — from car financing…
Saudi Arabia Warning Sirens Explained: What Every Expat Needs to Know
If you’ve ever heard a loud siren blaring across your neighbourhood in Saudi Arabia and had no idea what to do — you’re not alone. Many expats living…
Mosadaqa Verification in Saudi Arabia: What Expats Need to Know
If you’re planning to work in Saudi Arabia — or you’re already here and need to get your qualifications formally recognised — there’s one process you’re almost certainly…
Hajj 2026 Package Bookings Open for Domestic Pilgrims
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the launch of the booking phase for Hajj packages for those wishing to perform the pilgrimage from within Saudi Arabia, including…