Renew Iqama

How to Renew Iqama in Saudi Arabia

Procedural for the renewal of Iqama has been eased up, Thanks to the integrated systems launched by the Saudi Government. Although, the manual system is still running but soon there will be Iqama renewal only through the computerized system. Earlier, procedure for the renewal of Iqama was complicated and you had to complete the application form, present the valid passport, submit recent photographs, attach copy of the iqama and also submit original iqama for the renewal of Iqama. However, this procedure has been improved significantly now. However, we have published some articles about the primary requirements of Iqama Renewal, you can find them in the "related links" below.

Now there is no need to submit all above mentioned documents for the renewal of the Iqama. Government Relations Officer or HR of your company can renew the Iqama online. Obviously he will have to submit fee for the renewal of Iqama of SR 500. If you are living in Saudi Arabia with your family, Iqama renewal fee for employee and all its dependents is SR 1,150/-. They will also have to pay fee for the labor office of SR 2,400/- if number of Saudis in the company are less than 50%. However, there are few businesses that are exempted from paying this fee; we have covered it in a separate article. “No more Iqama Fee of SR 2,400/”Iqama must be renewed at least 3 days before its expiry. If an employer is unable to do it, he will be fined equivalent to the charge of renewal of Iqama. The fine is doubled in case of a second violation. If a resident violates the rule 3 times, deportation will be his punishment.

Residents of some countries like African countries (Ethiopia - Eritrea - Kenya - Somalia - Djibouti - Nigeria - Sudan) and Asian countries (Thailand - Nepal - Vietnam) have to provide medical test report to renew the Iqamas. I have explained the procedure of taking medical test in this article. As soon as your Iqama is renewed, you will receive an SMS from the MOI informing you about this fact. You can also check if your Iqama is renewed by this link. “Check Iqama Expiry Date through MOI”

Once the Iqama is renewed in the system, next step is to take the print the iqama or taking the Iqama in physical form. For this, government relations officer of your company will come to you to take the Iqama physically. Do not forget to ask him to give you a letter stating that your Iqama is under the process of renewal and attach copy of your old Iqama with it. Even if he says that the Iqama will come in few hours, take the letter from him. In case if you are stopped by the police or any other official authority, you can show them this letter. Most probably you will receive the new Iqama in couple of days from the Government Relations Officer of your company. Now, you can also go to the Jawazat office to get the renewed print of Iqama. This option has been introduced recently.