Iqama is a residence permit issued to all ex-pat residents in Saudi Arabia by the Ministry of Interior. All ex-pat residents arriving in Saudi Arabia on work and dependent visas must be in possession of a valid Iqama since its importance cannot be overstated.

A valid Iqama functions as official identification and enables its holders to open up a bank account and apply for a driver’s license, mobile SIM card, and many others. Therefore, it’s imperative for ex-pat residents to always be aware of the validity period of their Iqama.

How to check Saudi Iqama status

Follow these simple steps to check your Iqama status and validity period:

visit the Ministry of Labour (MoL) portal
select ‘English’
enter your Iqama number, passport number, or border number
provide your date of birth. This can be done in both Hijri or Gregorian format
input the captcha number and click ‘next.’
The next page will detail all your personal information, including the expiration date of your Iqama, your work permit number, employment status, your Iqama color status, and your company’s legal status.

Iqama status check KSA online via Absher

If you have an Absher account and would like to check your Iqama status through the Absher portal, here are the steps to do so:

• go to the Absher portal
• select ‘English’
• login to your Absher account
• input the OTP sent to your mobile
• select the ‘Query Iqama Expiry Service,’ and the expiration date of your Iqama will be displayed

Check Iqama via SMS

You can also check your Iqama status via SMS.  Just type in 12*SponsorID*Iqama number and send it to the appropriate numbers below:

• STC (Sawa): 888994
• Mobily: 624444
• Zain: 709444

What is the Iqama red-green status?

The red-green status of the Iqama is connected to a Saudi program called the Nitaqat program. The program basically categorizes the ability of companies or employers to easily process the visa requirements of foreign workers and employees.

This process includes three colors. Here, each color holds its own significance.

• The red color means that the employer has not fulfilled the requirements of the Nitaqat Program.
• Platinum/High Green color means that the employer has fulfilled the requirements of the Nitaqat Program.
• Low Green color means that the employer is in a transitional phase. This also indicates that the employer is working towards being compliant with the Nitaqat Program

For example, if an ex-pat resident has a green status on the Iqama, it means their employer or company has a wide range of options available to them pertaining to visa processing for foreign workers.

Among others, a green Iqama status allows a company to renew its employee’s Iqama on their behalf. Additionally, the foreign expat’s sponsorship may also be transferred to another company, which means that those with a green status can more easily move to other companies compared to those with a red status.

If you’d like to check your Iqama’s red-green status, you can easily do so by going to the Ministry of Labour’s Iqama portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a digital version of my Iqama card?

• Absolutely. You can do so by checking the Ministry of Labor website or the Absher app.

What is the validity of the Iqama card?

• An Iqama card is valid for one year from the issue date and is usually renewable.