Your Iqama is your identity in Saudi Arabia. Without a valid one, you can't open a bank account, rent an apartment, drive, or even buy a SIM card. When it expires, you're essentially undocumented. Here's how to keep it current.
The Basics
The Iqama (residency permit) is your employer's responsibility to renew. But in practice, you need to ensure everything is in order on your end. Renewal should start 30-90 days before expiry.
Key portals:
Step-by-Step Renewal
**1. Medical Insurance:** Your employer must have valid CCHI-compliant medical insurance for you. Without it, Iqama renewal is blocked. If your employer uses a group insurance scheme, verify your name is on the active policy.
**2. Medical Examination:** Blood test, chest X-ray, and general fitness check at a GAMCA-approved medical center. Costs SAR 200-300. Results upload automatically to the system in 2-3 business days. HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and TB are tested.
**3. Employer initiates renewal** through Muqeem. The fee is SAR 650 for a 1-year renewal. Your employer pays this (it's their legal obligation, though some try to deduct it from salary — which is not permitted).
**4. Biometrics update** if required. Visit a Jawazat (passport office) branch for fingerprints and photo update. Some renewals go through without biometric updates.
**5. New Iqama card** issued. Physical card pickup from Jawazat or delivery via Absher. Some employers handle pickup on your behalf.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
**Employer delays:** This is the most common issue. Your employer might delay renewal due to cash flow issues, administrative neglect, or disputes. If your Iqama expires because of employer delay, technically the employer faces penalties — but you're the one who can't function.
Action: Start reminding your employer/HR 90 days before expiry. Follow up weekly from 60 days. Document everything in writing (email, WhatsApp).
**Unpaid fees/fines:** If your employer has unpaid government fees (GOSI, Ministry of Labor), Iqama renewals for all employees get blocked. You'll see this as a "Sadad payment pending" error.
**Traffic violations:** Unpaid traffic fines on your name can block renewal. Clear them through Absher.
**Medical test failure:** If you test positive for certain conditions, you may face deportation. This is a harsh reality of the system.
What Happens If Your Iqama Expires
**Grace period:** There's a limited grace period (varies, typically a few days). After that:
**During Huroob (absconding):** If your employer reports you as absconding, your Iqama becomes invalid immediately. This is sometimes used as a threat during disputes. If this happens, contact the Indian Embassy immediately.
Dependent Iqama Renewal
If your family is on dependent visas (Iqama with Article 20), their Iqama renewal is linked to yours. Renew yours first, then dependents.
Dependent Iqama fee: SAR 500/year per dependent.
Minimum salary to sponsor dependents: SAR 4,000/month (subject to periodic changes by the Ministry of Human Resources).
Keep These Updated
The Saudi system is increasingly digital. Most things that used to require physical visits to Jawazat can now be done through Absher. But the system has its quirks, and things that should take 2 days sometimes take 2 weeks. Plan ahead.