Foreigners cannot apply for permanent residency, though a specialized Premium Residency visa became available in 2019. Those who obtain the iqama residency card for foreigners still require a sponsor, and failure to renew the card in a timely fashion can result in loss of legal status. Foreigners who lose or change their employment must leave the country to obtain a new visa and then must go through the process again to obtain a new iqama upon arrival.