The Qiwa platform, affiliated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has introduced an exceptional provision regarding the status of expatriate workers whose work permits have expired. Under specific conditions, workers may remain on an establishment’s record despite the expiration of their work permits, provided there is a discrepancy between the permit’s end date and the worker’s residency validity.
The 180-Day Residency Exception
According to the platform, a worker will not be removed from the establishment after the specified grace period if their residency remains valid for 180 days (six months) or more at the time the work permit expires and if the establishment is unable to renew that specific permit.
However, the platform cautioned that when the remaining validity of a worker’s residency is less than 180 days upon the expiration of the work permit, establishments must act quickly. In these instances, prompt issuance or renewal of the permit is required to avoid subsequent administrative actions.
Automatic Deregistration and Deadlines
The platform has set a critical threshold for compliance. Expatriate employees working in establishments with expired work permits, or those without any work permits for more than three months after June 30, 2026, will be automatically deregistered from their establishments.
This automatic system removes the employee from the record, shifting the burden of compliance and liability entirely onto the business owner.
Employer Financial Obligations
Establishments are urged to rectify the status of their employees before the grace period concludes. The platform emphasized that when the system automatically excludes a worker, the employer will be held responsible for all financial obligations resulting from the entire period the worker remained without a valid work permit.
To avoid these penalties and the loss of personnel, establishments may need to either renew the worker’s permit or facilitate the transfer of the worker’s services before the specified deadline.
Future Implications
Following the June 30, 2026, deadline, it is likely that establishments failing to synchronize residency and work permit dates could face a sudden reduction in their registered workforce. This may lead to an increase in service transfer requests as businesses and workers attempt to regularize their status to avoid financial penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under what condition can a worker stay on an establishment’s record after a work permit expires?
A worker may remain on the record if their residency is valid for 180 days or more and the establishment is unable to renew the specific work permit.
What happens after June 30, 2026, for those without valid permits?
Expatriate employees without work permits for more than three months after this date will be automatically deregistered from their establishments.
Who is responsible for the financial costs of a worker lacking a valid permit?
The employer bears all financial obligations incurred during the entire period the worker remained without a valid work permit.
Do you believe automated deregistration will encourage faster compliance among business owners?
