Authorities have clarified that several categories are not required to obtain a work permit, as part of efforts to regulate the labor market and clearly define employment and residency statuses in accordance with applicable regulations.

According to the official clarification, employees working in the government sector are among the categories exempt from obtaining a work permit, given the nature of their employment and the distinct regulatory framework governing government jobs compared to the private sector.

The exemption also includes non-working dependents (Mahram) who reside under family sponsorship without engaging in any form of employment. This distinction reinforces the clear separation between residency for dependency purposes and residency linked to employment.

In addition, students are classified among the exempt categories, as their residency is granted solely for educational purposes. As long as students do not engage in any professional or income generating activities, they are not required to obtain a work permit.

The list further includes dependents who are not authorized to work, holding dependent residency status without official permission to engage in employment. This measure aims to ensure compliance with labor regulations and prevent unauthorized work practices.

Another exempt group includes wives of non Saudi nationals, who are not required to obtain a work permit unless they receive official authorization to work, in line with the regulations in force.

This clarification comes as part of broader efforts to raise awareness of labor-related regulations and prevent misunderstandings among individuals and establishments. Authorities stressed the importance of adhering to approved laws and obtaining work permits only in cases where employment is legally permitted.

Officials emphasized that understanding these exemptions helps regulate the relationship between residency and employment, supports legal compliance, and contributes to maintaining a stable and well organized labor market that protects the rights of all parties involved.