Issuing Iqama in KSA

The Iqama is a crucial document in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) for foreign individuals and businesses alike. Like a Visa, it is a mandatory document for most foreigners issued by a sponsor, typically by an employer, functioning as both a residence permit and work authorisation.

Below provides all you need to know about issuing an Iqama, including the issuance process, regulatory legislation, and penalties for non-compliance.

The terms and documentation may vary depending on whether your beneficiary is a family member or worker. However, the general process can be summarised with a few key steps:

1. Adhere to Terms

Before applying, ensure you meet the terms for issuing an Iqama. Some typical requirements are ensuring the beneficiary is present in KSA, has passed a medical examination, and is currently not registered as absent from work.

2. Prepare Documentation

The necessary documentation typically includes valid passports, images of the fingerprint and photo, as well as medical certificates upon passing the medical examination from the beneficiary as well as any accompanied family.

3. Submit Application

On the Absher website, apply for an Iqama issuance and submit the required documents. The waiting period generally takes 3-5 working days.

4. Pay Fees

Pay the fees, which can generally be done via the KSA government payment system of Saudi banks. Fees for issuing an Iqama can start at SAR 500 in addition to fees from delay and traffic violations.

5. Obtain Iqama

Once you have acquired an Iqama, ensure compliance with regulations and the established renewal periods.

In accordance with the MOI (Ministry of Interiors), here are the most prominent laws related to Iqama that sponsors and beneficiaries alike are required to comply with:

• Travelling Outside KSA

When an employee travels outside the Kingdom, the employer must keep the employee’s residence permit until his return. To obtain a final exit visa, the Iqama is submitted to the passport’s authority with a final exit visa request form.

• Lost Iqama

Lost Iqama must be reported to the passport authority within 24 hours. If there is no passport authority in the neighbourhood, the incident must be reported to the nearest police station. Failing to comply results in a SAR 1,000 fee for first-time violators, SAR 2,000 for the second violation, and SAR 3,000 for the third.

• Renewal of Iqama

Iqama must be renewed 3 days before the expiration date.  First-time violators pay a fine equal to the renewal charge. The fine is doubled in the case of a second violation. If a resident violates the rule 3 times, the resident is deported.

CBD offers a myriad of services to aid in the issuance process for your Iqama and maintain compliance to KSA’s stringent legislation. CBD is devoted to guaranteeing smooth success for businesses and individuals alike with our comprehensive suite of services, from relocation to company formation, and so much more.

Contact us at: uae@cbdcorporateservices.com for tailored assistance and further information.