What is the Qiwa KSA App?

When planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, many travelers research essential apps and digital services to enhance their visit. The Qiwa KSA app is a specialized platform primarily designed for labor and employment services within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, not for general tourism or visitor needs.

For those looking for travel information about Saudi Arabia, it's crucial to clarify what Qiwa is and why it's generally not relevant for tourists, pilgrims performing Umrah, or short-term visitors.

The Qiwa KSA App is an official Saudi platform that streamlines employment, visa, and labor services

What is Qiwa KSA App?

Qiwa (قوى) is the official unified platform developed by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). Its main purpose is to digitize and streamline a wide range of labor-related services for both employers and employees in Saudi Arabia.

Key functions of the Qiwa platform include:

• Contract Management: Facilitating digital labor contract creation, approval, and management.
• Work Permits and Visas: Processing work visa applications and renewals for expatriate workers.
• Employee Services: Providing employees with access to their contract details, transfer requests, and other employment-related functionalities.
• Saudization Compliance: Helping companies comply with Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements.
• Complaint Resolution: Offering channels for labor dispute resolution.
• In essence, Qiwa is a vital tool for the Saudi workforce and businesses operating in the Kingdom.

The Qiwa App helps users access labor, visa, and contract services online in Saudi Arabia

How Qiwa Benefits Travelers and Expats?

For those visiting Saudi Arabia for work or business, Qiwa simplifies several processes:

• Instant Work Visas: Qiwa allows employers to initiate and track temporary work visa applications through a streamlined digital process.
• Employment Management: Expats can track their work contracts, career transitions, and labor office services through the app.
• Business Setup Assistance: Entrepreneurs can register new establishments and manage corporate operations efficiently.

Why Qiwa is NOT for Tourists

If you are visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism, business meetings (not seeking employment), or to perform Umrah, you typically will not need to use the Qiwa app or platform. Here's why:

• Visa Types: Tourist visas (including the eVisa that many nationalities use for Umrah) and visit visas are processed through other official channels (like Visit Saudi's eVisa portal or government visa platforms), not Qiwa.
• Purpose of Visit: Your purpose is leisure, pilgrimage, or short-term business, not employment. Qiwa's services are specifically tied to formal employment relationships.
• No Direct Travel Functionality: Qiwa does not offer features for booking flights, hotels, local transportation, finding tourist attractions, or other common travel-related services.

Qiwa App Guide for Foreign Users

How to Open a Qiwa App Account?

Opening a Qiwa account follows the same steps as registering on the app:
1. Download the App: Install the Qiwa KSA App from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an Account: Register using your Iqama (residency permit) or business credentials.

• Sign Up: Select the registration option and choose whether you’re registering as an individual or a business.
• Enter Details: Provide your Saudi ID, Iqama (for foreigners), or commercial registration number.
• Verify via Absher: Link your account to Absher or use the National SSO for identity verification.
• Set Up Profile: Complete your profile with contact and business details.
• Activate Account: After verification, your account is ready to use.

3. Access Services: Navigate through employment, visa, and business-related features.
4. Stay Updated: The app provides real-time updates on labor laws and regulations.

For businesses, ensure your commercial registration is valid and your Nitaqat rating is compliant (medium green or higher) to access services like visa issuance.

Discover what the Qiwa KSA app is, its purpose, and how it benefits employers and expatriate workers — not tourists — in Saudi Arabia.

How to Use the Qiwa App?

Once registered, users can:

• Employers can issue and renew work permits, issue temporary/visit work visas, manage contracts, transfer employees, monitor Saudization status, and access labor-law guidance.
• Employees can check visa permits, Iqama status, contract details, request exit/re-entry visas, and file labor complaints.
• You can also access labor regulations, training programs (Ajir), electronic advisory services, and reporting features.

Check Saudi Visa Status on the Qiwa App (Work Visa)

For work visas issued via Qiwa (e.g., Temporary Work Visa), businesses can track the status of visa applications within the app, but this is limited to enterprise-related visas. To check your Saudi visa status:

• Visit the KSAVisa portal: Check Visa Status.
• Select “Track Application”.
• Enter your Visa Application Number and Passport Number.
• Click “Track My Application” to view visa details.

Note that: Tourist/e‑Visas: Not shown in Qiwa. You can check e‑visa status via the official Saudi MOFA portal or the e‑Visa site where you applied.

FAQs About the Qiwa App

Do tourists need to use Qiwa?
No, but if you plan to work or stay long-term, registering is essential.

Is the app available in English?
Yes, the app supports both Arabic and English interfaces.

Is Qiwa only for employees?
No. It also provides services for business owners, employers, and HR managers in Saudi Arabia.

Can Travelers Check Saudi Visa Status on the Qiwa App?
No. Tourists on e‑visas or visa‑on‑arrival cannot use Qiwa directly for visa status checks. It's not a tourism app—its focus is labor-related.

Conclusion

While the digital transformation in Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving, making many services available through apps like the Qiwa app, visitors need to distinguish between platforms designed for residents and workers versus those catering to tourists. By focusing on the correct suite of applications, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable, and truly connected travel experience in the Kingdom.