Employment Visa & Iqama
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Saudi National Law
What is this right?
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia need an employment visa and a residence permit (Iqama) to live and work legally:
- 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 visa and then switch to a work visa.
- Iqama issuance: After arrival, your employer must obtain your Iqama within 90 days. The Iqama is your legal identity document in the Kingdom.
- Iqama renewal: The Iqama must be renewed before it expires. Renewal is the employer's responsibility and can be done through Absher or the Muqeem platform.
- Employer obligations: Your employer must pay the Iqama fees and government levies. The Labour Law prohibits charging these costs to the worker.
- Carrying your Iqama: You must carry your Iqama at all times — failure to present it to authorities can result in fines.
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 required timeframe.
What should you do?
- Verify your visa type before entering Saudi Arabia — make sure it is an employment visa, not a visit visa.
- Follow up with your employer to ensure your Iqama is issued within 90 days of arrival.
- Check your Iqama expiry date regularly through the Absher app and remind your employer to renew it on time.
- If your employer refuses to process your Iqama or pay the fees, file a complaint with MHRSD (call 19911).
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work without a valid Iqama — you risk fines, detention, and deportation.
- Do not pay your own Iqama fees unless voluntarily doing so — the law places this obligation on the employer.
- Do not let your Iqama expire — penalties increase the longer it is overdue, and you may be unable to leave the country.
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