Saudi Arabia issues housing licenses for one million expat workers

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announced on September 3, 2026, the issuance of 1,360 licences for collective labour housing, benefiting approximately one million foreign workers. These licences, processed through the Balady platform, are a central component of the National Program for the Development of Collective Housing, initiated in 2025 as part of the Vision 2030 Quality of Life Programme.

• 1,360 licences issued for collective labour housing.
• Benefits approximately one million foreign workers.
• Processed through the Balady platform.

New Rules For Companies

Under the new regulatory framework, commercial establishments employing 20 or more staff members are now mandated to provide licensed collective housing or secure approved alternative accommodations. Housing units occupied by families or independent units are exempt from this 20-worker threshold.

Safety And Living Standards

The new regulations enforce unified municipal, technical, health, and safety standards. Requirements include specific density limits, privacy provisions, disability access, internet connectivity, and the integration of clinics and emergency access. Furthermore, parking regulations necessitate one space for every 40 residents, with additional bus parking designated for 50% of the residents. Existing operators are granted a transition period of at least one year, or until their current licence expires, to meet these updated standards.

Impact And Penalties

This initiative targets the standardization of living conditions for millions of workers from nations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, as well as other South Asian and African countries working on giga-projects in regions such as Riyadh, the Eastern Province, NEOM, and the Red Sea. Companies failing to comply with the licensing requirements risk penalties, including the blocking of services on the Qiwa platform and stringent inspections. The Ministry encourages workers to verify the licensing status of their housing and report issues such as overcrowding, insufficient cooling, or inadequate medical facilities through official channels.