Nitaqat isn't just a number on the Qiwa platform — it decides whether your business can recruit and renew visas at all. Here's how to understand it and stay in the safe zone.
Resources
Labor Supply Regulations in Saudi Arabia
Labor Supply Regulations in Saudi Arabia
Key Takeaways
- Any manpower supplier must hold a valid activity license from the Ministry of Human Resources.
- The Qiwa platform is the system of record for work permits and contract status.
- Your own Saudization ratio can be affected by how you use supplied labor.
The licensing layer
Manpower suppliers operate under a specific activity license from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Working with an unlicensed provider exposes both parties to penalties — this is the single most important thing to verify before signing anything.
Qiwa as the system of record
Work permits, contract registration and transfer requests for supplied workers all flow through the Qiwa platform. A supplier's operational maturity shows in how cleanly their Qiwa records match reality on site.
Your own compliance stays your responsibility
Using a manpower supplier doesn't remove your business from the compliance picture. How supplied labor is counted against your own Saudization ratio is something to confirm before the contract starts, not after.
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