The Iqama, or residence permit, is a vital document for expatriates living in Saudi Arabia. It serves as proof of legal residency and allows foreign workers to live and work in the Kingdom. It is crucial to keep track of your Iqama status and its expiry date to avoid penalties and maintain legal status in the country. In this guide, we will walk you through how to check your Iqama status online using different methods, including border number and passport number, as well as checking the Iqama expiry date.
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ToggleWhat is Saudi Iqama?
An Iqama is an official residency permit issued to foreign nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia. It contains essential information like the holder’s full name, employer, nationality, and Iqama number. The Iqama is linked to your work visa, and maintaining its validity is crucial for remaining in Saudi Arabia legally. The Iqama also plays a critical role in accessing services such as healthcare, banking, and even mobile registration in the Kingdom.
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How to Check Iqama Status Online?
Checking your Iqama status online is straightforward and can be done via the Absher platform, a government service portal for expatriates. Follow these steps to check your Iqama status:
- Visit the Absher portal: Go to Absher’s official website.
- Login or Register: If you already have an account, login with your username and password. If you don’t have an account, you will need to register.
- Navigate to “Inquiries”: After logging in, select the “Inquiries” section under the “Dashboard.”
- Choose “Iqama Services”: In the list of services, select “Iqama Services” to view your Iqama status.
- Enter your Iqama number: Input your 10-digit Iqama number.
- View Status: The system will show your current Iqama status, including the validity date.
This process ensures you know whether your Iqama is still valid or approaching expiry.
How to Check Iqama Status with Border Number
If you are new to Saudi Arabia and do not yet have your Iqama number, you can check your status using your border number. The border number is issued at the time of your entry into the Kingdom and can be used to check Iqama-related information.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the Ministry of Labor’s website: Go to the Ministry of Labor’s website.
- Select “E-Services”: On the homepage, choose the “E-Services” section.
- Choose “Expatriate Inquiry”: Click on “Expatriate Inquiry” from the services list.
- Enter your Border Number: Input your border number, which can be found on your entry stamp or in your passport.
- Select Nationality: Choose your nationality from the drop-down menu.
- Enter Verification Code: Input the security verification code shown on the screen.
- View Your Iqama Status: The system will display your Iqama status, including the issuance date and the name of your employer.
How to Check Iqama Status without Absher
For those who do not have access to Absher, you can still check your Iqama status through alternative platforms such as the Ministry of Labor. Here’s how:
- Visit the Ministry of Labor’s website: Open the Ministry of Labor’s inquiry page.
- Click on “Expatriate Services”: From the home page, choose “Expatriate Services.”
- Enter Your Iqama or Border Number: You can use your Iqama number, border number, or passport number.
- Select Nationality: Choose your country of origin from the drop-down list.
- Complete CAPTCHA Verification: Enter the verification code shown on the screen.
- Submit and View Iqama Status: After submitting, you will see your Iqama details, including validity and employer information.
This option is ideal for individuals who cannot access Absher due to technical reasons or account issues.
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How to Check Iqama Status with Passport Number
Your passport number can also be used to check the Iqama status if you do not have your Iqama number on hand. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Ministry of Labor’s Inquiry Portal: Go to the official website.
- Select “E-Services”: Navigate to the “E-Services” section from the main menu.
- Choose “Expatriate Inquiry”: Select the expatriate inquiry option from the services list.
- Enter Passport Number: Enter your passport number in the provided field.
- Choose Nationality: Select your nationality from the drop-down menu.
- Verification Code: Enter the code shown to verify you are human.
- View Iqama Status: Submit the form, and your Iqama status will be displayed, showing whether it is valid or expired.
How to Check Iqama Expiry Date Online
Knowing when your Iqama expires is crucial to avoid legal complications. You can check the expiry date through Absher using the following steps:
- Login to Absher: Go to Absher’s official website and log in to your account.
- Select “Inquiries”: From your dashboard, click on the “Inquiries” tab.
- Go to Iqama Services: Navigate to the Iqama services option.
- Enter Iqama Number: Input your Iqama number.
- View Expiry Date: The system will show your Iqama expiry date.
It is advisable to renew your Iqama at least three months before its expiry to avoid fines or legal issues.
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Conclusion
Checking your Iqama status is essential for ensuring your residency in Saudi Arabia remains valid. Whether you are using Absher, your border number, passport number, or accessing the Ministry of Labor’s services, the process is easy and can be completed online. Keep track of your Iqama status and expiry date to avoid any penalties or disruptions to your residency in the Kingdom.
FAQs
What is an Iqama?
An Iqama is a residence permit for expatriates living in Saudi Arabia. It is essential for working and living legally in the country.
Can I check my Iqama status without Absher?
Yes, you can check your Iqama status using the Ministry of Labor’s inquiry service by entering your border number or passport number.
How can I check my Iqama expiry date?
You can check your Iqama expiry date by logging into Absher and navigating to the Iqama services section.
What happens if my Iqama expires?
If your Iqama expires, you may face fines, legal action, or deportation. It’s crucial to renew your Iqama before it expires.
Can I use my passport number to check my Iqama status?
Yes, you can use your passport number on the Ministry of Labor’s website to check your Iqama status.