In Saudi Arabia, the Iqama serves as the official residency permit for expatriates, symbolizing their legal right to live and work within the Kingdom. This document is indispensable for accessing various services, including banking, healthcare, and mobility within the country.
Timely renewal of the Iqama is not just a procedural formality but a legal necessity. Failure to renew it promptly can lead to significant penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, and even deportation. Therefore, understanding the renewal process and regularly monitoring the Iqama’s status are crucial responsibilities for both expatriates and their employers.
How to Check Your Saudi Iqama Status Online in English?
You can check your Saudi Iqama status online in English through both the Ministry of Labor (MoL) portal and the Absher portal. Here’s how to use each platform:
Iqama status check KSA online via MoL
The MoL portal offers expatriates the ability to verify their employment status and Iqama validity. This service is particularly beneficial for accessing details such as employer information and the current status of your work permit.
Go to the official MoL inquiry page
Choose “English”
You can search using one or more of the following:
- Border Number: Your entry number into Saudi Arabia.
- Iqama Number: Your residency permit number.
- Passport Number: Your passport number.
Enter your date of birth in the given field.One can perform this in either Hijri or Gregorian style.
Enter the verification code displayed on the screen.
Click on the “next” button.
The system will display your personal information, such as expiry date and the status of your Iqama, work permit, employment status, Iqama color status, and your company’s legal status.
Iqama status check KSA online via Absher
Absher is an e-services platform provided by the Saudi Ministry of Interior. To check status:
Visit the Absher Portal:
Go to the official Absher website: Absher Portal.
Log In or Register:
- If you have an account, log in using your username or ID number and password.
- If you’re new, click on “New User” to register. You’ll need your Iqama number, mobile number, and other personal details.
Complete Verification:
- After logging in, you’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to proceed.
Navigate to ‘Query Iqama Expiry Service’:
- Once logged in, go to the “Dashboard” or “My Services” section.
- Select “Inquiries” or “E-Services.”
- Choose “Passports” and then click on “Query Iqama Expiry Service.”
View Your Iqama Status:
- Your Iqama details, including the expiry date and status, will be displayed on the screen.
To check other absher e-portal services, click here!
What is the Iqama red-green status?
The Iqama red-green status refers to a classification system under Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat program, which evaluates companies based on their compliance with Saudization requirements—the mandated employment of Saudi nationals. This system assigns color codes to companies, impacting the benefits and services they can access:
Platinum
Companies with exceptional Saudization rates, offering benefits like simplified visa processing and the ability to change professions, including those typically restricted to Saudis.
Services:
- Eligibility to apply for visa balances for available occupations.
- Permission to transfer expatriate employees to other available occupations.
- Renewal of work permits for expatriate employees.
- Ability to transfer services of expatriate employees from any range.
- Issuance of compensatory visas for employees with permanent departure status.
- Access to instant calculations in the Nitaqat program.
High Green
Firms meeting high Saudization standards, enjoying advantages such as streamlined visa services and favorable government support.
Similar to the Platinum range, including visa applications, occupation transfers, work permit renewals, employee service transfers, compensatory visas, and instant Nitaqat calculations.
Apply for a new expatriate worker visa.
Change the vocations of expatriate workers.
Renew work permits for current expatriate employees.
Transfer sponsorship for expatriate workers from another entity.
Low Green
Entities with minimal compliance, receiving limited benefits and facing potential restrictions.
They are unable to apply for new visas for foreign workers.
They are unable to alter the occupations of foreign workers.
- Ability to transfer services of expatriate employees from any range.
- Issuance of compensatory visas for employees with permanent departure status.
- Access to instant calculations in the Nitaqat program.
Restrictions:
- Ineligibility to apply for visa balances for available occupations.
Red range
Organizations failing to meet Saudization requirements, subject to penalties such as restrictions on hiring foreign workers and challenges in renewing employee permits.
Inability to change occupations of foreign employees.
Prohibition from applying for new visas or obtaining work permits for new foreign employees.
Restriction from renewing work permits of existing foreign employees.
Prohibition from opening new branches or firms.
What is the validity of my Saudi Iqama?
Your Saudi Iqama’s validity period may range from one to five years.
What happens if my Saudi Iqama expires?
Allowing your Saudi Iqama (residency permit) to expire can lead to escalating penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and potential deportation. Here’s a breakdown of the consequences:
| First Offense | Fine:500 Saudi Riyals (SAR). |
| Second Offense | Fine:1,000 SAR. |
| Third Offense: | Fine: 1,500 SAR. |
Deportation: Initiation of deportation proceedings.
It’s crucial to renew your Iqama promptly to avoid these penalties. Both employers and expatriates share the responsibility for timely renewal. Delays can lead to significant financial and legal repercussions, including the potential loss of employment and mandatory departure from the Kingdom.
Regularly checking your Iqama status and ensuring timely renewal is essential to maintain legal residency and employment in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion:
Ensuring the timely renewal of your Saudi Iqama is crucial to maintain legal residency and employment in the Kingdom. Regularly monitoring status through official channels like the Ministry of Labor and the Absher portal can help you stay informed and compliant. Remember, both employers and expatriates share the responsibility for timely renewals, and proactive management of your Iqama can prevent unnecessary complications and penalties.
