Iqama, or Resident Permit, is an important document in Saudi Arabia. It is issued by the Ministry of Interior and has information like residence permit number, profession, nationality, etc.
How to Read Iqama Details?
You must check all 13 details of your Iqama when it arrives; these are:
- Name in Arabic
- Name in English
- Iqama ID Version/Print Number (نسخه)
- Iqama Number (الرقم)
- Place of Issue (مكان الاصدار)
- Date of Birth (الميلاد)
- Issue Date (الاصدار)
- Profession (المهنة)
- Religion (الديانة)
- Nationality (الجنسية)
- Sponsor Name (صاحب العمل)
- Bar Code and Iqama Number in English
- Profile Picture
1- Name in Arabic
Just below the Iqama number, you’ll find your name in Arabic. Ensure your Arabic name matches your English name accurately.
2- Name in English
Your name in English is the first thing you’ll notice on the Iqama card. Ensure that:
- It matches your name in Arabic.
- The spelling matches with those on your passport.
If you find any mistake in the name, return your Iqama for correction. If you work for a company, don’t accept the card until the errors are corrected.
3- Iqama ID Version/Print Number (نسخه)
The ID version or print number indicates how often your Iqama has been reissued. Iqamas are now issued for 5 years, so you’ll receive a new card with a different serial number after five years.
4- Iqama Number (الرقم)
The third line displays your Iqama number in Arabic numerals. This 10-digit number follows a specific format and is issued in sequence by Jawazat.
5- Place of Issue (مكان الاصدار)
It reads “Electronic Services,” which means the card was issued electronically.
Until 2017, this line indicated the city where the Iqama was issued. It was later changed with the introduction of electronic systems in issuing residency permit cards.
6- Date of Birth (الميلاد)
This line has your date of birth in the Gregorian Calendar. Ensure that it matches your DOB on the passport. If not, return your Iqama to the Ministry of Interior for corrections.
7- Issue Date (الاصدار)
This line indicates the date of issue of your Iqama in Arabic, following the Hijri calendar.
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The expiration date is no longer printed on the resident permit ID, but it is still essential to remember that your Iqama has an expiration date. You can check your Iqama expiry date through the Absher portal or the Ministry of Labor website.
Read our latest and in-depth guide on checking iqama expiry date with or without Absher by clicking the link below.
8- Profession (المهنة)
Your Iqama profession indicates your job role. According to Article 38 of Saudi Labor Law, it must align with your actual profession. If an incorrect profession is printed on the Iqama, contact your employer. They will apply to change your profession through the Qiwa platform. Finally, the MOL will verify the change in the profession, and you can print the updated Iqama once accepted.
NOTE
Incorrect profession written on your Iqama, if caught, may result in fines, penalties, or even deportation.
9- Religion (الديانة)
Your religion is printed on the 10th line of your Iqama, which is crucial in determining whether you can enter the holy cities of Saudi Arabia, Makkah, and Madina. If an incorrect religion is printed on your Iqama or you have embraced Islam after entering Saudi Arabia, the sponsor will have to contact Jawazat to change it.
Your sponsor will fill out a form as instructed, and once verified, Jawazat will update the religion on your Iqama.
10- Nationality (الجنسية)
Your nationality somehow carries significance as it can influence how you can get benefits in Saudi Arabia.
- Travel rules also vary depending on your nationality.
- There can be some better job opportunities
If an incorrect nationality is printed on your Iqama, you must apply at Jawazat to change it. Jawazat will give you a form and ask for some documents, including your old passport, original Iqama, and a fingerprint report from the police.
After you fulfill the requirements, Jawazat will verify them and issue a new Iqama with the correct nationality.
11- Sponsor Name (صاحب العمل)
Your employer’s name, in Arabic, is printed just above the Iqama number written in English. It is not only illegal to work for someone who is not your designated employer, but may also cause problems at times like:
- Opening a bank account.
- Getting police verification.
If an incorrect sponsor name is printed on your Iqama, ask your employer to get it changed through Jawazat.
12- Bar Code & Iqama Number in English
Your Iqama Number is also printed in English on the bottom left corner of the Iqama card. So, If reading the Arabic text on your Iqama poses a challenge, you can also find your details in the same format, in English.
13- Profile Picture
Your profile picture is printed on the left side of your Iqama card above the barcode. It is an important security feature that helps verify your identity in different government offices.
If you have any concerns about the accuracy or quality of your profile picture, or if you feel that your appearance has changed, you can contact Jawazat to update your profile picture.
Read the complete post about changing your profile picture on Iqama:
How to Read Digital Iqama Details?
The Digital Iqama has 4 differences. Along with all the details of an Iqama Card, it also mentions the following:
- QR Code
- Expiry Date (تاريخ الانتهاء)
- Place of Work (مكان العمل)
- Place of Birth (مكان الميلاد)
1- QR Code
The QR code is located below your profile picture on the digital Iqama. It is a quick and convenient way to access your Iqama details electronically. Scanning the code with a smartphone camera or a QR code reader app allows your Iqama information to be instantly viewed.
This can be helpful for situations where you need to quickly verify your identity or provide your Iqama details online.
2- Expiry Date (تاريخ الانتهاء)
While the physical Iqama no longer displays the expiry date, the digital Iqama shows it under the “تاريخ الانتهاء” section. This information is essential, as your Iqama becomes invalid after the expiry date, and you need to renew it to maintain your legal residency in Saudi Arabia.
Remember, you can also check your Iqama expiry date through the Absher portal or the Ministry of Labor website.
3- Place of Work (مكان العمل)
This section on the digital Iqama mentions the region where your employer’s establishment is located. For example, “مكان العمل: منطقة الرياض” signifies that your employer has their business registered and operating within the Riyadh administrative region of Saudi Arabia.
4- Place of Birth (مكان الميلاد)
Along with Date of Birth, the digital Iqama also displays your place of birth under “مكان الميلاد.” This information is part of your official identification and might be relevant for specific government processes or travel documents.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are Iqamas issued electronically now?
Electronic systems can streamline the issuance process and make it more convenient for applicants. It can also help to reduce the risk of fraud. The e-service also makes it easy for companies with 100s of employees to renew their Residency Permit when it expires.
What to do if my Saudi Iqama is lost?
If your resident permit card is lost, or stolen, you can get iqama by following the re-issuance procedure. You will have to pay a fee imposed by the Ministry of Interior, which varies depending on the different circumstances.
Also Read:- How To Check Iqama Profession – Mehna | MyKSA
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