Your Saudi Iqama is the most important document you hold as an expatriate in Saudi Arabia. Here’s how to check its status, validity, and color classification online in a few simple steps.
How to check the Saudi Iqama status online in English?
Iqama status check KSA online via MHRSD
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) runs a public inquiry service that returns your Iqama colour status without an Absher account and without logging in.
One thing no other guide tells you: this particular inquiry form is served in Arabic only, with no English toggle. The fields are simple once you know what each one asks for, so here they are in order.
- Open the MHRSD Non-Saudi Employee Inquiry service.
- Fill in any one of the three number fields: رقم الØدود (border number), رقم الإقامة (Iqama number), or رقم الجواز (passport number).
- Choose your country of citizenship from the الجنسية (nationality) dropdown.
- Type the characters shown into رمز التØقق (verification code).
- Select the search button, استعلام.
The results page displays your Iqama colour status, work permit number, employment status, and your employer’s legal status. Note that this form asks for your nationality rather than your date of birth.
If you want an English interface from start to finish, use Absher instead.
Iqama status check KSA online via Absher
If you have an Absher account, you can also check your Iqama status through their portal:
- 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.
Absher returns your expiry date in the Hijri calendar. Paste it into the checker above to see the Gregorian date and how many days you have left.
For a more detailed walkthrough on checking your Iqama expiry date, visit our dedicated guide.
What is the Iqama red-green status?
The Nitaqat program, implemented by Saudi Arabia’s MHRSD, categorizes employers into color-coded ranges based on their compliance with Saudization requirements. This categorization determines the services employers can access when managing expatriate workers.
As of May 2026, there are five active Nitaqat ranges. The Yellow category was removed in 2019 and reclassified into Red.
The colour belongs to your employer, not to you personally, but it decides what can and cannot be done with your Iqama. Select your employer’s band below to see what it means for you.
Platinum, High Green, and Medium Green ranges
Employers in these three ranges enjoy full access to all key services:
- 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 some restrictions. They can renew work permits and benefit from immediate Nitaqat counting, but they cannot apply for new expatriate worker visas or change workers’ occupations.
Red range
Employers in the Red range are the least compliant and face the most restrictions. They cannot apply for new visas, change occupations, transfer sponsorship, issue new work permits, or renew existing ones.
If your employer falls under the Red range, it directly affects your ability to transfer your Iqama or renew it on time.
Iqama red-green check
To check your Iqama’s red-green status, use the MHRSD Non-Saudi Employee Inquiry service and follow the same steps outlined in the MHRSD section above. The colour band is shown on the results page.
What is the validity of my Saudi Iqama?
The validity of your Saudi Iqama depends on your residency type.
Standard work Iqamas are typically issued for one or two years, with an option to renew in shorter 3-, 6-, or 9-month increments.
As of 2026, Saudi Arabia has rolled out a new physical Resident Identity (Muqeem) card valid for five years. The underlying residency status continues to be renewed digitally every 12 months or on a quarterly basis.
Premium Residency holders may receive validity periods ranging from one year up to permanent residency, depending on the category chosen.
What happens if my Saudi Iqama expires?
If your Iqama has expired, ensuring its renewal should be your top priority.
Renewal has to happen before the Iqama expires. The Ministry of Interior sets the deadline at three days before the expiry date, so there is no grace period once that date passes. Renewing late triggers a fine of SAR 500 for a first offence, rising to SAR 1,000 for a second. A third offence can trigger deportation procedures under Saudi Ministry of Interior rules.
Make sure your health insurance is active and all traffic fines are cleared before initiating the renewal process on Absher.
Sources
- MHRSD — Non-Saudi Employee Inquiry (Iqama status service)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) — Official Portal
- Absher — Individuals Home Portal
- Ministry of Interior — Saudi Arabia
- MHRSD — Nitaqat Mutawar Program Regulations
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