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Updated September 2023

Iqama is a residence permit issued to all expat residents in Saudi Arabia by the Ministry of Interior. All expat residents arriving in Saudi Arabia on work and dependent visas must be in possession of a valid Iqama ID since its importance cannot be overstated. A valid Iqama ID functions as official identification and enables its holders to open up a bank account and apply for a driver’s license, mobile SIM card, and many others.

Iqama ID status and expiry date check

You can check the status and expiry date of your Iqama ID online, both with an Absher account or even without an Absher account.

Iqama status and expiry date check without an Absher account

To determine whether your Iqama ID status is still valid or has expired, the easiest way is to head to the Ministry of Labour (MoL) portal and perform your 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 and validity period:

  • visit the MoL portal
  • enter your Iqama number
  • provide your date of birth. This can be done in both Hijri or Gregorian format
  • input the captcha number and click ‘next’

The next page will detail all your personal information, including the expiration date of your Iqama.

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Iqama status and expiry date check with an Absher account

If you have an Absher account and would like to check your Iqama ID status and validity through the Absher portal. Here are the steps to do so:

  • go to the Absher portal
  • select your preferred language
  • login 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.

For more information regarding the Iqama status check procedure, visit our article on Iqama Check 2023: How to Easily Check Your Iqama Status Online.

Iqama Check 2023: How to Easily Check Your Iqama Status Online

Iqama red-green

The red-green status on the Iqama ID is connected to a Saudi program called the Nitaqat program. The program basically categorizes the ability of companies or employers to easily process the visa requirements of foreign workers and employees.

This process includes three colors. Here each color holds its own significance:

  • The red color means that the employer has not fulfilled the requirements of the Nitaqat Program.
  • Platinum/High Green color means that the employer has fulfilled the requirements of the Nitaqat Program.
  • Low Green color means that the employer is in a transitional phase. This also indicates that the employer is working towards being compliant with the Nitaqat Program

For example, if an expat resident has a green status on the Iqama, it means their employer or company has a wide range of options available to them pertaining to visa processing for foreign workers.

Among others, a green Iqama status allows a company to renew its employee’s Iqama on their behalf. Additionally, the foreign expat’s sponsorship may also be transferred to another company, which means that those with green status can more easily move to other companies compared to those with a red status.

Iqama red-green status check

If you’d like to check your Iqama’s red-green status, you can easily do so by going to the Ministry of Labour’s Iqama portal

© mol.gov.sa

The process to check the Iqama red-green status is fairly simple. Simply follow the given procedure:

  • input either your Iqama number, passport number, or border number
  • input the captcha number
  • click the search button

Upon successful submission, the following page will detail the following:

  • your name
  • work permit number
  • employment status 
  • Iqama colour status
  • your company’s legal status

Iqama number

The Iqama number is a 10-digit numeric combination on the Iqama card, usually available at the bottom centre of the front page or below the applicant’s picture.

Please note that the Iqama number is necessary to search for the Iqama status online on the website of the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Saudi Arabia.

Iqama insurance check

Expat residents to Saudi Arabia can check their Iqama health insurance status and identify the insurance company that is issued through the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) website.

Here is how you can do so:

The next page will display your complete health insurance information.

Iqama fees

The cost to issue or renew an Iqama is SAR 650 per year, which can be paid in quarterly installments:

  • 3 months – SAR 163
  • 6 months – SAR 325
  • 9 months – SAR 488
  • 12 months – SAR 650

Please note that the renewal of  Iqama should be reported at least three days before the expiry date. If there is no report for the renewal without applicable reason, an individual or private company has to pay double the iqama fees for their employee.

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