Residents Can Use Digital Iqama Instead of Print-Out

There is no need to carry a printed copy of the residency permit (Iqama) for expatriates in Saudi Arabia after renewal according to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).

The digital Iqama can be accessed and used on a smartphone instead of carrying its hard copy or heading to Jawazat office to print it out.

The penalty for failing to renew the Iqama is SR500 the first time, and SR1,000 in the event of repetition of the delay. Renewal of the Muqeem ID must be done electronically every year through the employer’s Absher platform and it's valid for 5 years.

The Jawazat allowed issuing of the Iqamas linked to the work permit and renewing it every three months by the employer. This is also applicable to the dependents of expatriates after paying the required fees to complete the renewal procedure. It also allowed split payment of the fee for the work permit, the residency permit, the employee’s levy, the dependent’s fee, and other fees to get issued Iqama.