New rules for iqama renewal in Saudi Arabia - 2024
Saudi Arabia is a country that hires many foreign workers. These workers need to have a special residency permit called Iqama, which they must renew regularly. It’s important for both employers and employees to understand how Iqama renewal works.
This blog will explain:
- What is Iqama?
- Iqama Renewal Fees 2024
- Iqama Renewal Process in Saudi Arabia
1. What is Iqama?
Saudi Arabia has strict rules for hiring foreign workers. The Saudi government requires foreign workers to have an Iqama, which is a residency permit. Before you start working in Saudi Arabia, your employer, known as your sponsor, will help you get this permit.
Once you have your Iqama, you can live and work legally in Saudi Arabia. Your Iqama is usually valid for the same length as your work contract. Most Iqamas are valid for one year and need to be renewed after that. Employers and workers need to regularly check their Iqama status to make sure it’s up to date.
If you need help with hiring workers in the UAE or Dubai, our Sony Manpower Consultant team can assist.
Steps to Renewal Iqama in Saudi Arabia (2024)
- Log in to the Absher platform using your username or ID and password.
- A code will be sent to your phone for verification.
- After verifying, go to the Absher services main page.
- Click on “e-services,” then “sponsored services.”
- Choose “Renew Iqama” from the list.
- Follow the instructions and click “Next.”
- Select the worker whose Iqama you want to renew.
- Pick the renewal period, check the information, and submit.
- The renewed Iqama will be delivered to your address through Saudi Post.
2. Iqama Renewal Fees 2024
The cost of renewing Iqama depends on different factors. Here are the common fees:
2.1 Iqama Issuance and Renewal Fees (2024)
Renewing or issuing an Iqama costs SAR 650. You can choose to pay based on how long you want to renew it for:
- 1-year validity: SAR 650.
- 3-month validity: SAR 163.
- 6-month validity: SAR 325.
- 9-month validity: SAR 488.
2.2 Work Permit Fees (2024)
Your employer also needs to renew your work permit. This costs SAR 800 per month. You can pay for a minimum of three months at a time:
- 3-month fee: SAR 2,400.
- 6-month fee: SAR 4,800.
- 9-month fee: SAR 7,200.
- 12-month fee: SAR 9,600.
2.3 Dependent Fees (2024)
If you’re sponsoring family members, you must pay a fee of SAR 400 per dependent, per month:
- 3-month fee: SAR 1,200.
- 6-month fee: SAR 2,400.
- 9-month fee: SAR 3,600.
- 12-month fee: SAR 4,800.
2.4 How to Calculate Iqama Renewal Fees
To calculate the fees, you’ll need to add up the costs for Iqama and work permits. If you have dependents, you must include their fees too.
For example, if you renew your Iqama and work permit for 3 months with no dependents, you will pay SAR 163 for Iqama and SAR 2,400 for the work permit. The total will be SAR 2,563. If you have one dependent, add SAR 1,200 for a total of SAR 3,763.
2.5 Fees for Domestic Workers
The fees for domestic workers depend on how many you hire.
- Saudi employers only pay for the fifth domestic worker onward.
- Foreign employers pay starting from the third worker.
For small businesses with fewer than nine workers, fees are exempt if they employ a Saudi worker full-time.
3. Iqama Renewal Process in Saudi Arabia
It’s essential to renew your Iqama on time. If you miss the iqama renewal date, there are penalties. The fines are:
- SAR 500 for the first time.
- SAR 1,000 for the second time.
- Deportation for the third time.
3.1 Requirements for Iqama Renewal
To renew your Iqama, you need:
- Payment of the renewal fees.
- Payment for the work permit.
- No unpaid traffic fines.
- Valid health insurance.
- Payment of dependent fees (if applicable).
3.2 Who is Responsible for Renewing Iqama?
Your employer is responsible for renewing your Iqama and paying the renewal fees. You don’t need to fill out forms or pay yourself, unless you have dependents, in which case you must pay their fees.
If your employer refuses to renew your Iqama, they are breaking the law, and you can file a complaint.
3.3 How to Renew Iqama
The Iqama renewal process is straightforward and can be done online. Employers can renew Iqamas even 6 months in advance, and the process works even if the worker is outside Saudi Arabia.
Here’s how employers renew Iqamas:
- Go to the official Muqeem website.
- Change the language to English if needed.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Click “Electronic Transactions.”
- Choose “Iqama renewal.”
- Enter the code sent to your phone.
- Enter the Iqama number.
- Select the duration for renewal (3, 6, 9, or 12 months).
- Submit the application, and the Iqama will be renewed.
3.4 What Happens if You Don’t Renew Iqama on Time?
It’s important to know your Iqama expiry date and renew it on time. If you delay the renewal, there will be fines and legal issues.
More Resources: How to Check Iqama Status, Expiry, Penalties & Renewal in Saudi
