Employment Visa & Iqama in Saudi Arabia (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia need an employment visa and a residence permit (Iqama) — the Iqama is your single most important document in the Kingdom, required for everything from opening a bank account to renting an apartment:
- Work visa: Your employer applies for an employment visa through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). You cannot enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist or Umrah visa and switch to a work visa from inside the country.
- Iqama issuance: After arrival, your employer must obtain your Iqama within 90 days. The Iqama is your legal identity document — it replaces your passport for most day-to-day purposes in the Kingdom.
- Iqama renewal: The Iqama must be renewed before it expires. Renewal is processed through Absher or the Muqeem platform (the employer-facing immigration system).
- Employer obligations: Your employer must pay the Iqama fees and government levies. The Labour Law prohibits passing these costs to the worker.
- Always carry it: You must carry your Iqama at all times — failure to present it to authorities results in fines, and in some cases, detention pending identity verification.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign national coming to Saudi Arabia for employment.
- Your Iqama is about to expire and needs renewal.
- Your employer has not processed your Iqama within the 90-day deadline.
What to Do If Your Employer Has Not Processed Your Iqama Within 90 Days in Saudi Arabia
- Verify your visa type before entering Saudi Arabia — confirm it is an employment visa, not a visit or Umrah visa.
- Follow up with your employer to ensure your Iqama is issued within 90 days of arrival.
- Check your Iqama status regularly through the Absher app — it shows expiry dates, dependent status, and any violations linked to your record.
- If your employer refuses to process your Iqama or pay the fees, file a complaint with MHRSD (call 19911) or use the MHRSD online complaint portal.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work without a valid Iqama — you risk fines starting at SAR 10,000, detention, and deportation.
- Do not pay your own Iqama fees — the law places this obligation on the employer. If they deduct it from your salary, file a wage complaint.
- Do not let your Iqama expire — penalties increase the longer it is overdue, and an expired Iqama blocks access to most government services through Absher.
About Immigration Rights in Oman
If you live in Saudi Arabia on a visa, you need a valid Iqama under the Residence Law (Royal Decree No. M/17 of 1952, as amended). Most services run through Absher. Since the Labour Reform Initiative in 2021, most private-sector workers can change employers and obtain exit/re-entry visas independently — transfers go through Qiwa. The Premium Residency programme gives long-term residence without a sponsor. Hajj and Umrah visas are issued via NUSUK. Overstay fines start at SAR 10,000 and escalate to deportation.
Common Questions
What is the employment visa & iqama right in Oman?
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia need an employment visa and a residence permit (Iqama) — the Iqama is your single most important document in the Kingdom, required for everything from opening a bank account to renting an apartment:Work visa: Your employer applies for an employment visa through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). You cannot enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist or Umrah visa and switch to a work visa from inside the country.Iqama issuance: After arrival, your employer must obtain your Iqama within 90 days. The Iqama is your legal identity document — it repl...
When does it apply — employment visa & iqama?
You are a foreign national coming to Saudi Arabia for employment.Your Iqama is about to expire and needs renewal.Your employer has not processed your Iqama within the 90-day deadline.
What should I do if my employer has not issued my Iqama more than 90 days after I arrived in Saudi Arabia?
Verify your visa type before entering Saudi Arabia — confirm it is an employment visa, not a visit or Umrah visa.Follow up with your employer to ensure your Iqama is issued within 90 days of arrival.Check your Iqama status regularly through the Absher app — it shows expiry dates, dependent status, and any violations linked to your record.If your employer refuses to process your Iqama or pay the fees, file a complaint with MHRSD (call 19911) or use the MHRSD online complaint portal.
What should you NOT do — employment visa & iqama?
Do not work without a valid Iqama — you risk fines starting at SAR 10,000, detention, and deportation.Do not pay your own Iqama fees — the law places this obligation on the employer. If they deduct it from your salary, file a wage complaint.Do not let your Iqama expire — penalties increase the longer it is overdue, and an expired Iqama blocks access to most government services through Absher.