Privileged Iqama Benefits, Requirements, Types and Application Process

On 14th May 2019, the cabinet of Saudi Arabia’s government approved a new green card style iqama residency scheme. The proposal of the new residency program was put forth by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Muhammad Bin Salman in 2016 but it was approved in 2019. A new Iqama known as “Privileged Iqama” will be given under the new residency program. [Suggested]: Avoid penalty if iqama lost.  

The main feature of privileged iqama it will allow foreigners to live and work in the kingdom without any need of Saudi keel or sponsor, the first time in the history of Saudi Arabia. According to Crown Prince, new iqama is green style iqama which will give more freedom and rights to foreigners, but it won’t give the right to apply for citizenship. 

What are the Benefits of Privileged Iqama?

New iqama residency scheme is going to bring a lot of benefits to residents. List of Some significant benefits is as follows:

• Privileged iqama holder can bring his family to live in KSA.
• It allows foreigners to work in Saudi Arabia without kafeel or sponsor.
• Right to apply for visit visas for relatives.
• New iqama holder can recruit domestic workers.
• Can live in Saudi Arabia for an indefinite period.
• Eligibility to buy vehicles and property under own name.
• Can start a business without a local partner.
• There will be no need to get exit and re-entry visa under this privileged iqama scheme.
• Privileged iqama holder can use special designate queues at Saudi Arabia’s international airports.
• Foreign residents who have enough qualification, they can work in any private sectors.

[Suggested]: Procedure of newborn baby iqama.

Requirements for Privileged Iqama:

Applicants who want to apply for new privileged iqama, they need to meet specific requirements. The list of main conditions is as follows:

• The first and foremost requirement is to have enough financial resources to qualify for new iqama.
• A valid passport.
• Age must be 21 or above.
• Police clearance certificate to prove good character.
• Medical fitness certificate, the applicant have to buy medical insurance in the kingdom additionally.
• If already living in Saudi Arabia, current Iqama must be valid.

[Suggested]: Procedure to change iqama profession.

Privileged Iqama Types and Fee:

There will be two types of Iqama under new residency scheme, Temporary privileged iqama and Permanent privileged iqama.

Temporary privileged iqama will be granted for one year. However, It can be renewed every year. SAR 100,000 will be charged as iqama fee. Temporary iqama is same as the temporary residency of a country.

Permanent privileged iqama will be granted for an indefinite period. The one-time fee for permanent privileged iqama will be 800,000 SAR. It will give the right to live and work in the Kingdom forever. Unlike conventional iqama or temporary iqama, there will be no expiry date for this iqama. It will be valid forever.

[Suggested]: What to do if iqama lost?

Cancellation of Privileged Iqama:

Although new iqama is going to bring more freedom and rights yet It may subject to cancellation if the iqama holder violates Saudi Arabia’s laws. As specified by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, privileged iqama can be cancelled in the following situations:

• Information provided in the iqama application proved false.
• Iqama holder committed a crime in KSA and convicted for imprisonment for more than sixty days and 100,000 SAR fine.
• Deportation orders from Court.

In the case of privileged iqama cancellation, the status of dependents and family members will also be affected. However, the family member can apply for separate privileged iqama if he/she qualifies and meet the requirements.

[Suggested]: Check your medical test report online.

Where to Apply for New Privileged Iqama?

The Government of Saudi Arabia has launched a designated website for those who want to apply for Privileged Iqama. It is called “Premium Residency Center”. Premium or privileged can be applied inside Saudi Arabia as well as outside the kingdom. Application for new privileged Iqama can be submitted online at https://saprc.gov.sa which is an official portal of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior.

[Suggested]: MOI Absher Saudi Arabia registration and benefits.

Report For Stolen Iqama Within 24 Hours To Avoid Penalty

The authorities of Kingdom are stepping up by taking combative measures to grasp the people involved in illegal activities in the bud as the kingdom witness the development of a booming market for stolen iqama being sold because of phony acts or the gangs threatening the original iqama holder.

To control such extortions government has relinquished fine being enforced to the expats for stolen resident cards and assisting themselves to get a new one from the passport office. And the obvious conditions are that the residency permit isn’t lost due to receptacle’s carelessness and the theft is informed within a time period of 24 hours. If none of the condition is fulfilled a fine of SR.1000 would be paid for it being lost or stolen and SR.2000 and SR.3000 for any such incidence for the second and third time. [Read: Check Iqama Validity]

It is believed that the residency permit trade is being controlled by the African emigrants in Jeddah. They have even asked the sufferers to pay for iqama on the basis of their nationality whereas there are also iqamas which are fictitious and are being sold out or used for some illegal activities.

The central point of running the residency permits job is “Somali Souq” a place in Jeddah and most of the stolen or lost iqamas are found here. Many emigrants who lose or get their iqama stolen visit this market to get their documents without informing police because of the fear of any inconvenience.

[Read: Check How many sims are registered under your iqama.]

Police officials have denied the existence of any organized gang and also advise all the emigrants to report to police rather than going directly to deal with the thieves at the first place in case if their iqama is stolen. Jeddah police officer Atti Al-Qurashi narrated to the Arab news that collaboration of the expats will help the police in arresting such gangs. These gangs have no permanent location but with the collaboration of expats we can catch such criminals easily he also added that the police is carrying out regular patrols to arrest any iqama thieves. 

An Egyptian expat reported to the news channel that “two Africans tried to contact him and asked him for Rs.1000 in order to get back the iqama, but later I found that my iqama was with another African expat.”

[Read: How to change iqama profession?]

Anyhow, police raid played a major role in cutting such activities by arresting hundreds of African gangs stealing official documents and iqamas in the past few years.

Iqama is a major document for the emigrants who live in the kingdom and are ready to pay the price to have it back in case if they lose it without contacting the police officials because they think they would have to pay for a penalty in such situation. The interior ministry made an announcement that for a lost or stolen iqama it must be reported within a time period of 24 hours along with a letter from the guarantor declaring the reason and place where it was lost to avoid penalty.

Kingdoms passport office representatives have told Arab news “as per the laws set by the ministry of government if anyone got his iqama stolen specifically in Madinah or Makkah they can get a replacement after proving that it’s been stolen. A building security officer shared his experience that his iqama got stolen when he was drinking water, he reported that matter on the same day and got its replacement straightaway without paying any penalty. [Read: Newborn baby iqama procedure.]

What is Iqama / Muqeem Card in Saudi Arabia

Anyone having relative or any other contact in Saudi Arabia will surely have an idea about of Iqama or may just hear the word of Iqama. How to apply for new Saudi Iqama? or what is Iqama and why it is so important. You might have a vague clue about iqama.

Iqama Or Visa Or both?

In other countries, foreign require visa only. In Saudi Arabia, Foreigner needs Iqama to stay in Saudi Arabia. They can be expats, immigrants, refugees etc. Anyone who want to live in the kingdom has Work Visa or permanent family visa and after 90 days they would require Iqama as well. So with Visa iqama is equally important if anyone want to stay there for more than 90 days.

What is Iqama?

Iqama is more like an identity card for foreign in Saudi Arabia. It is a personal identification card that is issued by the Saudi government. As identity card is important to live in any country so Iqama is also core and basic need to live in the kingdom. Iqama is a prime identity card to acquire all basic needs like SIM, Bank account, license etc.
[Read: How to check iqama transfer or change of sponsorship status?]

Iqama Expenses:

It will be the burden of the Employer or Sponsor to take care of Iqama expenses. If they are unable to do so, expats will be free to transfer their sponsorship without Sponsor approval.
[Read: How to change iqama profession or Visa profession in Saudi Arabia?]   

Don’t you have Iqama?

After 90 days stay in Saudi Arabia If a person don’t have Iqama yet, he should get it from his sponsor or he will be unable to step outside his place without a valid Iqama which acts as a legal residence permit for every Expatriate living in this Country. It’s compulsory to have iqama all the time to save yourself from troubles. [Read: What to do if iqama lost?]

If a person caught without Iqama he may jailed or fined or in severe case can be deported too. It depends upon that situation. So it’s better to have Iqama if you have plan to live there. If you are living since a long time and have iqama so you can check your iqama status or expiry date online.

Muqeem Card

The newer version for Iqama is known as Muqeem Card which was started from 1437 Hijri (14th Oct 2015) in which the government provided updated version of ID cards for foreigners who are residing in Saudi Arabia (KSA). This is an advance technology having all the data online. Saudi government transfers all the manual data to online so that all the processes can manage online. [Read: How to apply iqama for newborn baby?]

Iqama OR Muqeem Card Details:

Muqeem card contains a lot of personal details that can be used to verify a person. These details include person’s date of birth, name, passport number and other essential details that can be used to track him or her. [Read More: List of banned names in Saudi Arabia]

Expiry of Muqeem Card:

It will be Expires in minimum 5 years and maximum Lifetime and can be renew by the employer through abshir service or muqeem online service. If muqeem card is about to expire, it’s good to withdraw all money from bank account. The laws related to Iqama keep changing and a lot depends on the industry you are working in and your employer.

Other useful links:

1. How to check Huroob status of iqama on MOI and MOL?
2. How to check status of changed iqama profession?
3. How to get registered with Saudi engineering council?
4. How to check iqama is transferred to new sponsor or not on MOI?
5. How to book birth certificate appointment at MOI Saudi Arabia?
6. Police clearance certificate for expatriates from Saudi Arabia.
7. How to check remaining balacne of mobily zain and stc?

How can I check my Iqama transferred to my new sponsor or not at MOI

In my previous post change of sponsorship, i have explained this very well but now it will be in a single step procedure. As you know without working with you sponsor or kafeel is illegal in Saudi Arabia and you could face problems even deportation in this case if you are working with another kafeel/sponsor.

Check iqama transfer/change of sponsorship online:

So whenever you change your job you have to change your sponsorship as well and how can you check your change of sponsorship is very simple, first of all, you have to know about the fee as mentioned. * Related Post: Change of sponsorship procedure at MOL website.

• First-time sponsorship change fee is 2000/SAR which is mostly paid by the new sponsor.
• Second-time sponsorship change fee 4000/SAR which is mostly half paid by you i mean 2000.
• Third-time sponsorship change fee is 6000/SAR and new sponsor will pay 2000 only and 4k by you.

Only your sponsor can check the detailed information regarding your transfer but you can also check the funds deposited for your transfer online. If the fee is shown in jawazat system; it means your transfer is not yet processed. If your fee has been deducted then your transfer process have done.

Step by step procedure:

1. Open MOI website.
2. Now click on electronic enquires.
3. Hover over your mouse pointer at MOI Diwan.
4. Now select Public Query Available Funds.
5. Inter your iqama number and check your available funds.

Related Posts:

1. MOI Absher registration procedure and benefits.
2. How to get register with Saudi Council of engineers.
3. How to check how many SIMS are registered under your Iqama.
4. How to check Huroob status of Iqama and MOI and MOL website.
5. Process to change iqama profession or Visa profession in Saudi Arabia.
6. How to check medical test report status for Saudi Arabia iqama online...

How to Check Iqama Transfer or Change of Sponsorship status online at MOL

Iqama Transfer / Change of Sponsorship / Nakal Kafala are same. When you move to another company or go to other kafeel then you must have to change your sponsorship to that company or kafeel. It was easy to check iqama transfer status online before on MOI absher accountbut after update of MOI website this feature has been gone. So in this post we will tell you about when you apply for Iqama Transfer then how can you check the status of iqama transfer/sponsorship in very simple steps.

How to apply permanent visa for parents

How to change iqama profession or Visa profession

How to check status of change iqama or visa profession

Although Ministry of labor website is in Arabic but we will explain the very simple procedure.

1. Open Ministry of Labor official website. www.mol.gov.sa 
2. Now the web page has been opened in Arabic so follow me, As shown in below picture click on the 4th option that is written in Arabic like this [نقل خدمة عامل وافد]. 
   
3. Now you will see other options and already ticked on [رقم الطلب], but you have to click on below option [رقم إقامة العامل] as shown in below picture. 
   
4. Enter image code where in Arabic [ادخل رمز التحقق] is written and click on below right side button written in Arabic [بحث] as shown in above picture.
5. Now you are done, scroll down and see at the bottom of the web page. Your all information would be written in Arabic there which you can change by translating your page in English. 
   

Your current employer can stop all the process after issuing letter also as per Saudi Labor Law. Within 5 days he can stop your transfer by giving any reasons to athourities.

First Iqama transfer charges: 

As per Saudi Labor Law, your sponsor will pay the charges of first iqama transfer and if you are transferring your iqama 3rd time then half charges you should pay. Where if you are going to transfer your iqama for the first time then it would be 2000SAR. and for second transfer it would be 4000 SAR and for third transfer, it would be 6000 SAR.

How to Check Huroob status of your Iqama

Process of Saudi engineering council registration

If you have any issues related to your transfer kindly comment below.

Procedure of Iqama for Newborn Baby in Saudi Arabia

This article is very helpful for the people who are living with their families in Saudi Arabia. If your wife is pregnant and in Saudi Arabia then it will be very expensive for you if you do not have a good insurance instead of your home country. This process is easy comparatively if your baby born in your home country.  In this process, you have to get these step by step.

Steps for getting newly born baby iqama in KSA:

Step 1. Get birth certificate:

• Get a birth certificate of the newly born baby in Saudi Arabia from the hospital.

How to Book Birth Certificate Appointment at (MOI)

Required Documents: 

1. Father's original passport and copy of passport.
2. Mother's original passport and copy of passport.
3. Baby birth statement translated in english.
4. 8 passport size Photos of the baby.
5. Application form of the baby passport.
6. Ahwal e Madni appointment print out.
7. Now you can get the birth certificate.

Step 2. Get passport of baby:

• Now go to your embassy after receiving the birth certificate from Al Ahwal Madni.

Get Online Token for Pakistani Passport in Saudi Arabia

Step 3. Get iqama from jawazat:

After above steps, it is the time to get your baby iqama. For getting your baby iqama you need following documents.

1. Online appointment with Jawazat.
2. Fill a form to add a child as your dependent.  Download Form
3. You can book appointment at http://tickets.passport.gov.sa/ for jawazat to issue iqama by selecting a service "Add wife and children"

IF you have any question about this post comment below for answers.

How to Check Status of Changed Iqama Profession

You can check your changed iqama profession status only with some clicks. As i write a post before on MOI Absher registration process. Many people do not know about online services and waste the time by going to kafeel and government officials.

Even people still do not know how to change Iqama Profession.To check the status of changed iqama profession follow below simple steps.

Steps to Check Status of Iqama Profession:

1. First, register with MOI Absher Saudi and open your account it's free if you do not know follow this link.

MOI Absher Registration Process 

2. Sign In at MOI Website change language to English and click on dashboard.

3. After clicking on the dashboard you will see current profession at left side below picture as shown in the picture below. 

Process to Change Iqama Profession or Visa Profession in Saudi Arabia

Iqama profession is a most important thing for educated people or sometimes for other purposes. So if your iqama profession is different from your actual profession then you can change your iqama profession.

In very short words i"ll tell you some truth, if your iqama profession is labor and you are the engineer and working as an engineer but you will be considered labor in government record and can not avail the facilities of an engineer.

What to do if Iqama Lost in Saudi Arabia 

Check Remaining Balance of Mobily, Zain and STC 

MOI Absher Saudi Registration Process and Benefits 

When you request for change iqama profession, only choose a good profession for you which match your work and education so that so can get benefits of inviting family on visit visa or permanent visa.

Requirements for Change of iqama Profession:

1. First of all, attest your latest degree from Saudi Culture and Saudi embassy from your home country.

2. Your degree and iqama profession you are applying for should be in the same discipline.

3. Now go to your HR department and request for your profession change and pay 1000 SAR (Profession change fee) and you are done.

*Some profession can not change like home driver, gardener etc.

4. If you want to change your profession to engineer then you should have to register with Saudi Engineering Council first.

5. Accounts profession people have to register with SOCPA.

Change of profession will reject if:

1. If you have a very poor profession already like labor, helper etc.

2. If Traffic violations against your employee. 

3. If not sufficient funds available for profession change.

4. If you are a home driver, housemaid, helper, labor and on the individual or domestic visa.

5. If your Iqama expired already. ( Check iqama Validity online )

6. If your employee is run away from employee status.

7. If ministry of labor did not approve your request.

What to do if Iqama Lost in Saudi Arabia KSA

If you are new in Saudi Arabia and do not know what to do when you lost your iqama, i will explain you what to do when your iqama (Muqeem card) lost. It is not very easy to apply for other iqama immediately however read below simple and easy steps to apply for new. * Procedure to apply for first Saudi Arabian iqama.

Do you know?

"if you have lost your iqama then fee will be applicable for this. First time you will pay 1000 SAR. If you lost again the second time fee should be 2000 SAR and the third time 3000 SAR."

• According to Saudi Arbia Law if your iqama is stolen report within 24 hours then you may avoid penalty.
• Check Iqama Expiry online.
• Check Iqama Validity online.

Things to do immediately if Iqama Lost:

1. First you have to check it everywhere and all possible places where you can put you iqama / muqeem card. So if you still unable to find your iqama then report your sponser (kafeel).
2. An arabic written notes is required in which you will explain where you lost your iqama then go to police station (shurta khana) and report with your company person. 
3. Your company person (mandoob) or any other, your kafeel or company recommended person will write an arabic notes on company letter head signed by chamber of commerce. 
4. If your sponsor is an employee in public sector like in saudi air lines, saudi electric company etc. then you can skip chamber of commerce sign.
5. Pay 650 SAR if your iqama period is for one year.
6. Your sponsor's person or your sponsor itself will visit Jawazat with following documents.

• Arabic written application on letter pad.
• 2 photographs
• Copy of lost iqama
• Passport copy
• Payment proof of fine (1000)
• Iqama fee (650)
• Jawazat filled form.

"Always keep your wallet in safe place. Your iqama is the only identity which you can show any where so i will recommend you to write your phone number and put it in your wallet."

Read this article also to register with saudi engineering council. 

How to Check Iqama Status and Validity on www.moi.gov.sa

To know about your Iqama Status and validity you need to know a little things about Iqama. Iqama is a residence permit and now a day it is also knowing as Muqeem card, kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides it to expatriates with employment visa. Iqama is your most important document while staying in Saudi Arabia. Iqama usually expires in one year but now a days muqeem cards date is extended for 5 year but you have to pay government fee every year. So you have to check your iqama expiry date to keep updated. You can check your iqama validity on ministry of interior website by following these easy steps. 

Iqama Status:

First step:

Take you iqama it is a yellowish card printed with ministry of interior logo, your picture and resident permit printed on it.

Second Step:

Now you have to find your iqama number it is consists on 10 digit numbers. You can see it right on the bottom of your picture showing on your iqama.

Third Step:

Open ministry of interiors website once you identified your iqama number. Open your browsers next tab and visit ministry of interior website http://www.moi.gov.sa

Fourth Step:

On the top of the website an option to change language is showing so change it to english.

Fifth step:

Moi website's menu is showing a tab named "E-services" on the top of menu bar on home page, click on e-services now.

Sixth step:

After clicking on e services look at sub menu named "Passport" from left menu panel and choose "Query iqama Expiry services" at right side.

Finally check your iqama status:

The webpage is showing like below image, now put your iqama number and randomly generated image code (security check)  and click on view to find your iqama status. you will see you iqama status on same page.

Iqama Validity:

You can check Iqama validity by above process but it is also shown on your iqama in hijri date.

Read More:

How to get driving licence in saudi arabia 

Process of Saudi Engineering Council Registration 

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How to Check Iqama Expiry Date Online

Saudi Government has launched most of the services online for expatriates. And now if you want to check any detail about you, you can check it online very easily. In this post follow the below simple steps to check iqama expiry date.

CHECK IQAMA EXPIRY DATE:

Open Official website of Ministry of interior (MoI): https://www.moi.gov.sa

Now click on above red color link and follow these steps to check iqama expiry date.

1. Now Enter your iqama number.

2. Enter image code.

3. Click on View.

After these easy steps you can check iqama expiry date online as below shown in picture.

You can also check iqama expiry date online by this method:

1. Write www.moi.gov.sa in Google.com or you  can  click  direct on  red  link.

2. After website open select your language english. (you can choose it from top left corner).

3. Now click on Electronic inquires tab and then click on Passport in sub menu and now find "Query Iqama Expiry Services". 

4. Now write your iqama number as above picture mentioned.

5. Enter Image Code in second box.

6. Click on View and you are done.

Now you can check your iqama expiry date and validity online. This form will be as like so just check above iqama number tab showing like:

Iqama is Valid till: YY/MM/DD (Expiry date will in hijri).

Read More:

* How to get driving licence in saudi arabia * Process of Saudi Engineering Council Registration

Procedure to Apply for First Saudi Arabia Iqama

Iqama is most important thing when you come Saudi Arabia on work visa. Iqama is like your identity card so you must be need to get iqama within three months or 90 days. Your employee will took expenses of your iqama if you are on company visa and if you are on free visa then you may have to pay, depends on your deal with kafeel. * What to do if iqama lost?

However if you do not get iqama in 3 months / 90 days then you should have to pay 500 riyal penalty.

Step by step procedure to apply for first Saudi Arabia Iqama:

1. First you go to any approved medical center in your kafeel's city / area. You can see the list of approved medical centers. Now select your nearest medical center and go for test. You need 4 passport size pictures for it. After your test you will receive a message from medical center. Forward this message to your kafeel. This report will also send directly to ministry of interior data base online and you can collect by hand too. Passport copy may be needed.
2. You have to be insured from any authorized insurance company. I will prefer Malth insurance | 325 riyal.
3. Test for the 1st time for issuance of Iqama (for some nationalities) includes TB Xray, HIV/AIDS test, eye sight and hearing test, a test for cholera (a charming stool sample test). Since it will be a stool test but you need to be ready. Lab Reports will sent to the MOI in this form. You will have better ideas about the medical test after go through this form.
4. If you have Engineering visa then you need to register with Saudi Council of engineers before applying your first iqama.
5. Kids may not need medical report for first saudi arabia iqama. A general check up like weight and height but no need of vaccination certificate.

Required documents to run process:

1. Iqama form and Sijjal tajari / company license paper.
2. Medical test report
3. Insurance for Health
4. SEC registration for engineers only.
5. Get voucher and pay 500 for one year iqama and 1000 riyal for two years and pay online or atm.
6. Pay 2400 riyal more if you are on free visa / Azad visa. (in some condition)
7. Voucher to pay fee of HDR. You can pay 150 sr through atm or online banking.

Iqama Detail:

Iqama detail is as under:

• Your name in english on saudi arabia iqama.
• Your name in arabic on saudi arabia iqama.
• Iqama number in arabic.
• City name.
• Expiry date of saudi arabia iqama.
• Date of birth.
• Profession.
• Your country name.
• Your company name in saudi arabia.
• Your religion.
• And Iqama number in english below picture on saudi arabia iqama.