Mar 6, 2019
The software has been criticized by human rights groups and politicians for facilitating discrimination against women in Saudi Arabia.
Whatever happened to ‘Don’t Be Evil’ ?
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The software has been criticized by human rights groups and politicians for facilitating discrimination against women in Saudi Arabia.
Whatever happened to ‘Don’t Be Evil’ ?
Google reviewed the app — called Absher — and ruled that it does not violate any agreements, and therefore will remain on Google Play.
In the above photo: Trump’s fascist buddy and donor, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman (center) with Google CEO Sundar Pichai (left) and co-founder Sergey Brin (right) #WomensHistory365
Patriarchal Extremism #Subservience
INSIDER last month reported how Absher — an all-purpose app which Saudis use to interact with the state — offers features which allow Saudi men to grant and rescind travel permission for women, and to set up SMS alerts for when women use their passports.
Google has rejected calls to remove a Saudi government app which offers a tool for men to control where women travel.
The company told the office of Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier, who had called for its removal, that the app does not violate its terms of service.
INSIDER reported extensively how the app — called Absher — lets men direct where women can travel, and offers alerts when they use a passport to leave Saudi Arabia.
US Reps. Jackie Speier, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, and 11 others demanded on February 21 that Apple and Google axe the app.
Google and Apple CEO Tim Cook both promised to investigate the app. Apple have yet to announce their ruling.
Speier told INSIDER: "The responses received so far from Apple and Google are deeply unsatisfactory."
"I'm afraid. My family will kill me.", Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun #SaveRahaf
The Reality of #MaleGuardianship
The world has not forgotten the women detained and tortured in Saudi Arabia, Amnesty International
Saudi Women, Tired of Restraints, Find Ways to Flee, NYTimes
For some Saudi women facing strict male authority and even abuse, there's only one answer: Run, LA Times
Mar. 4, 2019:
Saudi Arabia is torturing a U.S. citizen. When will Trump act?, Washington Post
Nov. 30, 2018:
MBS’ reaction after Trump gave him a pass on killing Khashoggi
Checking Aqd Contract Status: What to Do If It’s Not Registered
📌 What Is an Aqd Contract & Why It Matters
In Saudi Arabia, “Aqd” means contract — and for employment, it’s a legal must. Without it, your job may not be recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), risking delays in your iqama, visa, and salary protection.
🔍 How to Check Your Aqd Contract Registration
✔️ On Qiwa (Employee Portal)
Go to Qiwa.sa
Log in using Absher credentials
Navigate to: Services > Employment Contracts
Check for your contract details
If it shows “Pending” or nothing, your contract may not be registered.
✔️ On Absher
Visit Absher.sa
Go to: My Services > Employment Details
Cross-check your employer info and job title
Missing details here? That’s a red flag.
💡 What to Do If Your Aqd Isn’t Registered
🔄 Step 1: Remind HR (Day 15–30)
Send a polite email to HR asking for an update.
📎 Step 2: Follow Up (Day 30–60)
Still nothing? Follow up in writing with Qiwa or Absher screenshots.
🚨 Step 3: Escalate (Day 60–90)
File a complaint via Qiwa
Call HRSD at 19911 Employers can face fines up to SAR 5,000 for non-registration.
⚠️ Risks of an Unregistered Aqd
No iqama or visa issuance/renewal
No legal coverage for salary disputes or termination
No access to health insurance, bank loans, or GOSI registration
🏢 What Employers Must Do
Since April 2019, Saudi law requires all private employers to:
Submit contracts on Qiwa
Get digital acceptance (qabul) from the employee
Ensure contract alignment with Saudi Labor Law
Failure to comply can result in fines, delays, and service suspension.
✅ Don’t Take Chances — Confirm Your Aqd Today
Whether you're a new hire or a long-term employee, your Aqd contract is your legal proof of employment. 👉 Check your Aqd registration now with this step-by-step guide
🔗 References
Qiwa – Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
Absher – Saudi Government eServices
HRSD Official Site
Saudi Labor Law – GOSI
New Digital Services launched on Absher Platform. On Wednesday, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the Director General of Public Security, launc
By Caroline Absher, Brooklyn-based artist and designer
اليكم طريقة الاستعلام عن صلاحية الإقامة عبر أبشر absher.sa، شرح بالفيديو والصور، ورابط خدمة الاستعلام عن صلاحية الإقامة برقم الإقامة والرمز
How to Get a Vehicle Repair Permit Online in Saudi
How to Get a Vehicle Repair Permit Online in Saudi
Do you want to know what is a vehicle repair permit in Saudi Arabia and how to get permit online? A vehicle repair permit is a document that legally allows the repair of a damaged vehicle. Previously, it was issued through traffic (Moroor) offices only, but now you can request a vehicle repair permit through the Absher platform without visiting the traffic department office. Vehicle Repair…
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Civil Affairs launched in Absher Individuals Platform
Civil Affairs launched in Absher Individuals Platform
Most important new services of Civil Affairs launched in Absher Individuals platform The official spokesperson of the Civil Affairs in Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Al-Jasser said that there is a new package of electronic civil status services (e-services) launched through Absher Individual platform for male and female Saudi citizens and resident expatriates. During his telephonic interview with a…
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