RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has started allowing employers to renew residency permits for domestic workers for periods beginning at three months, giving households more flexibility in managing costs.
The Ministry of Interior, working with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Musaned recruitment platform, launched the service as part of a broader effort to modernize residency procedures.
Under the new system, employers can choose permit periods of three, six, nine, 12, 15, 18, 21 or 24 months for domestic workers and other similar categories. Applications and renewals can be handled through the Absher platform.
The change means residency fees can now be paid only for the selected period, instead of requiring longer-term renewals.
For permits issued or renewed for three months or multiples of three months, the fee can be paid on a quarterly basis.
Previously, domestic worker renewals were generally limited to one- or two-year terms.
Saudi authorities say the new arrangement is designed to reduce financial pressure on employers while making government services more flexible and efficient.
