Iqama Check By Passport Number Step By Step Instructions – AL AHAD GROUP

Iqama Check By Passport Number: A Comprehensive Guide by AL AHAD GROUP

Navigating the intricacies of Saudi Arabian residency permits, known as Iqamas, can be a complex process, especially for expatriates. AL AHAD GROUP, a leading provider of services to expatriates in Saudi Arabia, offers this comprehensive guide to checking your Iqama status using your passport number. This method is particularly useful when you don’t have immediate access to your Iqama card or need to verify its validity quickly. This article provides step-by-step instructions, explores alternative methods, delves into common issues, and offers troubleshooting tips to ensure a seamless experience.

Understanding the Iqama and its Importance

The Iqama is the official residency permit for expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a vital identification document and is required for various essential activities, including:

• Legal Residency: Proof of your legal right to reside and work in the Kingdom.
• Employment: Required for employment contracts and salary disbursement.
• Financial Transactions: Opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and conducting other financial transactions.
• Travel: Entering and exiting Saudi Arabia, as well as domestic travel.
• Government Services: Accessing healthcare, education, and other government services.
• Driving: Obtaining a driver’s license and registering a vehicle.

Maintaining a valid Iqama is crucial. An expired or invalid Iqama can lead to fines, detention, and even deportation. Therefore, regularly checking its validity is paramount.

Method 1: Using the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Absher Platform

The Absher platform, managed by the Saudi Ministry of Interior (MOI), is the primary online portal for residents and citizens to access various government services, including Iqama-related information. This method requires prior registration and activation of an Absher account.

Step 1: Registering for an Absher Account (If you don’t already have one)

1. Visit the Absher Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Absher website: https://www.absher.sa/
2. Select Language: Choose your preferred language (English or Arabic).
3. Click “Individuals”: On the homepage, locate and click on the “Individuals” section.
4. Click “Register”: Find the “Register” button and click on it.
5. Enter Required Information: You will be prompted to enter the following information:
   • Iqama Number or National ID (Saudi Citizens): Enter your Iqama number.
   • Iqama Expiry Date: Enter your Iqama expiry date according to the Hijri calendar.
   • User ID: Choose a unique User ID for your Absher account.
   • Email Address: Provide a valid email address.
   • Mobile Number: Enter your mobile phone number registered in Saudi Arabia.
   • Preferred Language: Select your preferred language for communication.
   • Image Code: Enter the security code displayed in the image.
6. Accept Terms and Conditions: Read the terms and conditions carefully and check the box to indicate your acceptance.
7. Click “Register”: Click the “Register” button to submit your registration.
8. Verification Code: You will receive a verification code via SMS on the mobile number you provided. Enter the code on the website to verify your registration.

Step 2: Activating Your Absher Account

After registering, you need to activate your Absher account. There are several ways to do this:

1. Absher Kiosk: Visit an Absher self-service kiosk. These kiosks are located in various government offices, shopping malls, and public places. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your account using your fingerprint.
2. Jawazat (Passport Office): Visit a Jawazat office and request activation of your Absher account. You will need to present your Iqama.
3. Bank Activation: Some Saudi Arabian banks offer Absher account activation services through their ATMs or online banking platforms. Check with your bank for availability.

Step 3: Checking Iqama Status Using Passport Number on Absher

Once your Absher account is registered and activated, you can proceed to check your Iqama status using your passport number.

1. Log in to Absher: Go to the Absher website (https://www.absher.sa/) and click on “Individuals.” Enter your User ID or Iqama number and password to log in.
2. Verification Code: You will receive a verification code on your registered mobile number. Enter the code to proceed.
3. Navigate to “My Services”: After logging in, click on the “My Services” tab. This section provides access to various online services.
4. Select “Passports”: Under the “My Services” tab, look for the “Passports” option and click on it.
5. Choose “Query Iqama Expiry Service”: Within the “Passports” section, you may find a direct “Query Iqama Expiry Service” option. If available, select it. If not, proceed to the next step.
6. If Direct Option Unavailable: Use “General Services” and then “Query Iqama Expiry”: If a direct “Query Iqama Expiry Service” isn’t available under “Passports,” you may need to use the “General Services” section. Look for a “Query Iqama Expiry” option within “General Services.” The specific navigation might vary slightly depending on Absher updates.
7. Enter Passport Number and Other Details: You will be prompted to enter the following information:
   • Passport Number: Enter your passport number accurately.
   • Nationality: Select your nationality from the dropdown menu.
   • Image Code: Enter the security code displayed in the image.
8. Click “View”: After entering the required information, click the “View” or “Display” button.
9. View Iqama Information: The system will display your Iqama information, including:
   • Iqama Number: Your unique Iqama number.
   • Iqama Expiry Date: The expiry date of your Iqama according to the Hijri calendar.
   • Name: Your name as registered on your Iqama.
   • Sponsor Name: The name of your employer or sponsor.
   • Other Relevant Details: Other relevant information related to your Iqama status.

Method 2: Using the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) Website

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD), now known as the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), also offers an online service to check Iqama validity. This method primarily focuses on the work permit aspect of the Iqama.

Step 1: Accessing the MLSD/HRSD Website

1. Visit the MLSD/HRSD Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD): https://hrsd.gov.sa/
2. Select Language: Choose your preferred language (English or Arabic).

Step 2: Navigating to the Iqama Validity Check Service

1. Look for “E-Services” or “Online Services”: On the homepage, look for a section labeled “E-Services” or “Online Services.”
2. Search for “Laborer Services” or “Expatriate Services”: Within the “E-Services” or “Online Services” section, find a category related to “Laborer Services” or “Expatriate Services.”
3. Find “Iqama Validity Check” or “Work Permit Validity”: Within the relevant category, search for an option specifically labeled “Iqama Validity Check” or “Work Permit Validity Check.” The exact wording may vary.

Step 3: Entering Passport Number and Other Details

1. Enter Required Information: You will be prompted to enter the following information:
   • Passport Number: Enter your passport number accurately.
   • Nationality: Select your nationality from the dropdown menu.
   • Image Code: Enter the security code displayed in the image.
2. Click “Search” or “Submit”: After entering the required information, click the “Search” or “Submit” button.

Step 4: Viewing Iqama Information

1. View Iqama Information: The system will display information related to your Iqama and work permit, including:
   • Iqama Number: Your unique Iqama number.
   • Work Permit Expiry Date: The expiry date of your work permit, which is directly linked to your Iqama validity.
   • Sponsor Name: The name of your employer or sponsor.
   • Profession: Your registered profession.
   • Other Relevant Details: Other relevant information related to your work permit and Iqama status.

Important Notes for Using the MLSD/HRSD Website:

• This method primarily focuses on the work permit aspect of the Iqama. While it provides Iqama-related information, it might not be as comprehensive as the information available on the Absher platform.
• The availability and specific navigation of this service may change over time due to website