This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Key takeaways:
Check your Iqama status and validity online via the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) or Absher portals.
The red-green status reflects your employer’s compliance with Saudi labor regulations, which can be checked on MoL portal.
Renewal is essential before expiration to avoid fines and maintain legal status in Saudi Arabia.
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How to check the Saudi Iqama status online in English?
Iqama status check KSA online via MHRSD
To determine whether your Saudi Iqama status is still valid or has expired, the easiest way is to visit the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), formerly known as the Ministry of Labour (MoL), portal and perform an Iqama check. This will allow anyone to check the status and validity of their Iqama even without an Absher account.
Follow these simple steps to check your Iqama status:
- Visit the MHRSD portal.
- Select ‘English.’
- Enter your Iqama number, passport number, or border number.
- Provide your date of birth. This can be done in both Hijri and Gregorian formats.
- Input the captcha number and click ‘next.’
The next page will detail all your personal information, including your Iqama color status, your work permit number, employment status, and your company’s legal status.
Iqama status check KSA online via Absher
If you have an Absher account and would like to check your Iqama status through the Absher portal, here are the steps to do so:
- Go to the Absher portal.
- Select ‘English.’
- Log in to your Absher account.
- Input the OTP sent to your mobile.
- Select the ‘Query Iqama Expiry Service,’ and the expiration date of your Iqama will be displayed.
What is the Iqama red-green status?
The Nitaqat program, implemented by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, categorizes employers into different ranges, commonly referred to as the red-green status, based on their compliance with Saudization requirements. This categorization determines the services employers can access when managing expatriate workers. Below is an explanation of the services available for each range.
Platinum range
Employers in the Platinum Range have the highest level of compliance with the Nitaqat program and enjoy access to all key services, including:
- Applying for new expatriate worker visas.
- Changing expatriate workers’ occupations.
- Renewing work permits for existing expatriate workers.
- Transferring sponsorship of expatriate workers from any other entity.
- Immediate counting in the Nitaqat program.
High green range
Similar to the Platinum Range, employers in the High Green Range can:
- Apply for new expatriate worker visas.
- Change expatriate workers’ occupations.
- Renew work permits for existing expatriate workers.
- Transfer sponsorship of expatriate workers from any other entity.
- Benefit from immediate counting in the Nitaqat program.
Medium green range
Employers in the Medium Green Range also have access to essential services, such as:
- Applying for new expatriate worker visas.
- Changing expatriate workers’ occupations.
- Renewing work permits for existing expatriate workers.
- Transferring sponsorship of expatriate workers from any other entity.
- Immediate counting in the Nitaqat program.
Low green range
Employers in the Low Green Range face restrictions but retain access to some services:
- They cannot apply for new expatriate worker visas.
- They cannot change expatriate workers’ occupations.
- They can renew work permits for existing expatriate workers.
- They benefit from immediate counting in the Nitaqat program.
Red range
Employers in the Red Range are the least compliant and face significant restrictions, including:
- They cannot apply for new expatriate worker visas.
- They cannot change expatriate workers’ occupations.
- They cannot transfer sponsorship of expatriate workers.
- They cannot issue work permits for new expatriate workers.
- They cannot renew work permits for existing expatriate workers.
Iqama red-green check
If you’d like to check your Iqama’s red-green status, please visit the official MHRSD portal.
What is the validity of my Saudi Iqama?
The validity of your Saudi Iqama can range from one to five years.
What happens if my Saudi Iqama expires?
If your Saudi Iqama’s expiry date approaches or passes, acting promptly is crucial. Once you’ve verified that your Iqama has expired, ensuring its renewal should be your top priority to avoid any penalties. Failing to renew your Iqama within three days of its expiration may result in fines.
The initial penalty for such a delay is SAR 500, escalating to SAR 1,000 for subsequent delays. Consequently, it’s crucial to adhere to the renewal procedure and regularly monitor the expiration date of your Iqama to prevent incurring financial repercussions.
