How To Check Your Employees' Iqama Status
.avif)
How To Check Your Employees' Iqama Status
Without an active Iqama, foreign workers in Saudi Arabia cannot operate effectively within the country. An inactive Iqama can halt work and prevent a foreigner from exiting the country. This can also lead to hefty fines and penalties. Checking Iqama status is vital to ensure the smooth operation of your business and the welfare of your employees. This blog will explain how to check Iqama status and why it's important, especially for foreign workers in Saudi Arabia.
Cercli's global HR system provides a valuable solution to help businesses manage their foreign employees in Saudi Arabia. Our software provides an easy way to check Iqama status, ensuring your employees' Iqamas are active and avoiding any penalties.
What is Iqama Status?
.avif)
In Saudi Arabia, the Iqama (إقامة) functions as a vital document confirming a foreign national's legal residency and work authorisation in the Kingdom. The Ministry of Interior issues the Iqama, which the employer sponsors. It is mandatory for all expatriate employees working in the country. It serves as both an identity document and a work permit, detailing the holder's job title, employer, nationality, and other essential information.
The standard validity period for an Iqama is one year, with renewal required at least three days before expiration to avoid penalties. Iqama validity typically ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of Iqama and the individual's employment status or sponsorship. Employers are responsible for initiating and maintaining the Iqama on behalf of their employees.
In specific circumstances, extensions or special categories may apply, depending on the employee's role or the employer's sector. As of recent years, Saudi authorities have also allowed some employers (especially in the private sector) to renew Iqamas for periods as short as three months (quarterly), but the default and most common duration remains one year.
The Role of Iqama Status in Legal Residency
The Iqama system is a central part of Saudi Arabia’s residency and labour framework. It enables authorities to ensure that expatriates working in the Kingdom do so under regulated, lawful conditions. Beyond confirming a person’s right to live and work in the country, an active Iqama is essential for basic services, such as:
- Opening a bank account
- Obtaining medical treatment
- Signing rental agreements
The Iqama Red, Green, and Yellow Status System
Iqama status is closely linked to the Nitaqat Saudization programme, which classifies companies based on their compliance with hiring Saudi nationals. This classification directly impacts the status of employees’ Iqamas.
Green Status
If an employer is in the Green category under the Nitaqat system, it indicates full compliance with Saudization requirements. For expatriate employees, this means smoother Iqama renewals, fewer administrative hurdles, and generally greater job stability. Employers in this category also benefit from easier access to Ministry services, such as visa processing and work permit updates.
Red Status
A 'Red' status indicates that the employer is non-compliant with Saudization regulations. This can have profound implications for expatriate workers, including delays or denials of Iqama renewals, restrictions on job transfers, and difficulties accessing essential services. It may also limit the employer's ability to hire new foreign workers or renew existing work permits.
Platinum Status
Companies in the Platinum category represent the highest level of Saudization compliance. These companies enjoy the most privileges and benefits from the government, including expedited processing of visa applications and Iqama renewals. Employers in this category can renew Iqamas for their employees well in advance (e.g., three months before expiration) and have priority access to Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) services. Platinum status reflects exemplary adherence to Saudization targets and is considered the most prestigious classification.
This replacement aligns with the official Nitaqat classification, where Platinum is the top tier, Green is the common compliant category, and Red is non-compliant. The Yellow category is no longer used or is being phased out in recent reforms
Implications for Expatriate Workers
An expatriate's Iqama status has direct consequences for their ability to remain and work in Saudi Arabia. Being tied to an employer's Nitaqat classification means that even well-performing employees can be affected if their employer fails to meet Saudization obligations. Workers under Red or Yellow status employers may face instability, delays in renewal, or limited career mobility.
For these reasons, expatriates are encouraged to monitor their Iqama status and stay informed about their employer's Nitaqat classification. Doing so helps protect their legal standing and ensure continued access to essential services and work opportunities within the Kingdom.
Related Reading
Why Monitoring Your Iqama Status Matters
.avif)
Staying on top of your employees' Iqama status is more than just a legal requirement; it is essential for efficient business operations and long-term workforce planning. For employers, careful monitoring of Iqama status ensures continued compliance with Saudi labour regulations and avoids operational setbacks.
Timely Renewals and Avoidance of Penalties
One of the most immediate reasons to monitor Iqama status is to avoid delays in renewal and the associated fines. Iqamas must be renewed before their expiry date, typically within a three-day window before the expiration date.
Failure to do so can result in financial penalties and temporary disruptions to an employee's ability to work legally. For employers, this can result in stalled projects, gaps in coverage, and a reputational impact.
Impact on Sponsorship Transfers and Job Mobility
Iqama status also plays a key role in determining whether an employee can transfer their sponsorship to another employer. A valid and up-to-date Iqama simplifies this process and ensures that your company remains an attractive option for skilled foreign workers.
On the other hand, lapsed or improperly maintained Iqamas can complicate or block transfers entirely, resulting in delays in onboarding or the loss of valuable talent.
Access to Essential Services
Your employees' access to government services, banking, healthcare, and international travel depends heavily on a valid Iqama. If an Iqama lapses or is incorrectly recorded, it may prevent them from opening bank accounts, renewing their health insurance, or travelling in and out of the Kingdom. In turn, this can lead to HR and administrative issues that impact both the employee and your business.
A Matter of Legal and Operational Compliance
For employers, maintaining active oversight of Iqama status is part of a broader responsibility to uphold compliance with Saudi Arabia's labour and immigration regulations. This ensures that your workforce remains legally employed according to Ministry of Interior requirements, minimises the risk of government penalties, and enables uninterrupted participation in government services and contractual opportunities.
Cercli: The Ultimate HR Platform for MENA Businesses
Transform your HR operations with Cercli, which is aligned with the UAE’s vision for business excellence. It is the only platform built specifically for MENA businesses that unifies workforce management needs in one powerful system.
Manage your entire team, whether local or global (Cercli supports payments in 150+ countries), with our comprehensive solution that handles multi-currency payroll, leave management, onboarding, and compliance documentation tailored to the unique requirements of the MENA region.
Streamlined HR for MENA Businesses
Eliminate the complexity of using multiple fragmented tools and enjoy the efficiency of a single source of truth that keeps your business fully compliant with local regulations while simplifying every aspect of workforce management.
Whether you're managing a growing team of 25 or coordinating 500+ employees across multiple countries, Cercli provides the localised expertise and streamlined processes that MENA businesses need to scale confidently and manage remote teams effectively.
Experience the only HR platform truly designed for the way you do business in the Middle East. Book a demo to speak with our team about our global HR system today.
How to Check Your Employees' Iqama Status
Begin by visiting the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MoHRSD) portal, which provides a direct means of checking employment-related information. To check an employee’s Iqama status:
- Enter the employee’s 10-digit Iqama number
- Provide the employee’s date of birth (accepted in either the Gregorian or Hijri calendar)
- Complete the captcha verification and click ‘Next’
The resulting page will display a range of information, including the current Iqama status and its expiration date.
Through Absher Platform
For employers or HR representatives with access to Absher, the government’s e-services portal, a more secure and personalised method is available.
Steps include:
- Visit the Absher portal
- Select the preferred language
- Log in to your account using your ID and password
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
- Navigate to “Query Iqama Expiry Service.”
This service will provide details about the employee’s Iqama validity and assist in planning ahead for timely renewals.
Via SMS (For Basic Validity Checks)
In cases where on-line access is limited, an SMS-based method is also available. This is particularly useful for quickly confirming validity status.
Format:
- Type 12*SponsorID*IqamaNumber and send the message to:
- STC (Sawa): 888994
- Mobily: 624444
- Zain: 709444
Please note that replies will typically be in Arabic, making this method most suitable for those who are comfortable reading the language.
Offline Verification (Jawazat Office)
If digital options are unavailable, visiting the nearest Jawazat (Passport Office) remains a valid alternative. Bring the employee’s passport and Iqama number to request a manual status check. This method may be helpful in exceptional cases but is not recommended for routine use.
Related Reading
Tips for Smooth Iqama Management
.avif)
One of the most common causes of compliance issues is missing Iqama renewal deadlines. It’s best practice to log all employee Iqama expiry dates in your HR or payroll system and set reminders well in advance, at least 60 days before expiration. This allows sufficient time for processing renewals and addressing any issues that may arise.
Monitor Nitaqat Status to Safeguard Iqama Renewals
Iqama renewals are closely linked to your company’s Nitaqat classification. If your business falls into the red category due to low Saudisation levels, you may face restrictions on renewing Iqamas or transferring employees. Regularly checking your Nitaqat score ensures you stay in good standing and maintain uninterrupted access to government services related to work permits.
Ensure Timely Payment of GOSI Contributions
The General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) plays a key role in employment compliance. Late or missed contributions can prevent you from obtaining the necessary GOSI certificate, which is often required to renew your Iqama. Ensuring accurate and on-time payment of contributions safeguards your employees' legal status and access to benefits.
Keep Employee Records Updated
Ensure that all relevant employee information, including job title, salary, and dependents, is accurate and consistently updated across government portals such as GOSI, Absher, and Qiwa. Mismatches in records can cause delays or errors in Iqama renewal and transfers.
Educate Staff on Iqama-Related Responsibilities
While employers handle the majority of the Iqama process, employees must be aware of their responsibilities, such as checking for expiry notices, carrying their Iqama when required, and reporting any personal data changes. This shared accountability can help prevent avoidable oversights.
Related Reading
Book a Demo to Speak with Our Team about Our Global HR System
Transform your HR operations with Cercli, which is aligned with the UAE’s vision for business excellence. It is the only platform built specifically for MENA businesses that unifies workforce management needs in one powerful system.
Manage your entire team, whether local or global (Cercli supports payments in 150+ countries), with our comprehensive solution that handles multi-currency payroll, leave management, onboarding, and compliance documentation tailored to the unique requirements of the MENA region.
Streamlined HR for MENA Businesses
Eliminate the complexity of using multiple fragmented tools and enjoy the efficiency of a single source of truth that keeps your business fully compliant with local regulations while simplifying every aspect of workforce management.
Whether you're managing a growing team of 25 or coordinating 500+ employees across multiple countries, Cercli provides the localised expertise and streamlined processes that MENA businesses need to scale confidently and manage remote teams effectively.
Experience the only HR platform truly designed for the way you do business in the Middle East. Book a demo to speak with our team about our global HR system today.
