If you’re living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you know that your Iqama (residency permit) status is a crucial aspect of your legal stay in the country. Ensuring that your Iqama is valid and has not expired is essential to avoid any legal complications. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking your Iqama status online, without the need for an Absher account.
Why Check Your Iqama Status?
Before we delve into the process of checking your Iqama status, let’s understand why it’s important. Your Iqama serves as your legal identity in Saudi Arabia. It not only allows you to reside and work in the country but also grants you various privileges, such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driving license, and more. If your Iqama expires, it can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, deportation, or imprisonment.
Checking Iqama Status on the Ministry of Labour (MoL) Portal
The Ministry of Labour (MoL) portal is a reliable platform for checking your Iqama status. Follow these simple steps to verify the status and validity of your Iqama:
1. Visit the MoL Portal
Open your web browser and go to the Ministry of Labour’s official website.
2. Select Your Preferred Language
Once on the website, choose your preferred language for ease of navigation.
3. Enter Your Iqama Number
Provide your Iqama number, which can be found on your residency permit card.
4. Input Your Date of Birth
You will be required to enter your date of birth, which can be done in either Hijri or Gregorian format.
5. Solve the Captcha
Input the captcha number displayed on the screen and click ‘next.’
The next page will display all your personal information, including the expiration date of your Iqama. This information will help you determine whether your Iqama is still valid.
Checking Iqama Status Through the Absher Portal
If you have an Absher account and prefer to check your Iqama status through this platform, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Absher Portal
Open your web browser and visit the Absher portal.
2. Select Your Preferred Language
Choose your preferred language for a user-friendly experience.
3. Log in to Your Absher Account
Log in using your Absher credentials.
4. Input the OTP
A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to proceed.
5. Select ‘Query Iqama Expiry Service’
Choose this option, and the portal will display the expiration date of your Iqama.
Understanding Iqama Red-Green Status
The red-green status of your Iqama is associated with Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat program, which classifies the compliance of companies or employers with the program’s requirements. This status is categorized into three colors, each with its own significance:
- Red: The employer has not fulfilled the Nitaqat Program’s requirements.
- Platinum/High Green: The employer has met all the Nitaqat Program’s requirements.
- Low Green: The employer is in a transitional phase, indicating their efforts to comply with the Nitaqat Program.
If your Iqama has a green status, it means your employer or company has various advantages, including the ability to renew your Iqama on your behalf and the possibility of transferring your sponsorship to another company. This allows you greater flexibility in your career in Saudi Arabia.
To check your Iqama’s red-green status, visit the Ministry of Labour’s Iqama portal.
Iqama Check by Border Number
Another method to check your Iqama status is by using your border number. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Visit the Ministry of Labour’s Iqama Portal
Open your web browser and access the Ministry of Labour’s Iqama portal.
2. Provide Your Details
Input either your Iqama number, passport number, or border number, along with the captcha number.
3. Click the Search Button
After providing the required information, click the search button.
The following page will display your name, work permit number, employment status, Iqama color status, and your company’s legal status.
Iqama Check for SIM Cards
In Saudi Arabia, the number of SIM cards you can have is connected to your Iqama. An Iqama holder can have a maximum of two SIM cards at any given time. If you want to check how many SIM cards are linked to your Iqama, follow these steps:
1. Visit the Mutasil Portal
Access the Mutasil portal for SIM card inquiries.
2. Select ‘Individual’
Choose the ‘individual’ option.
3. Provide Your Information
Enter your Iqama number and date of birth according to the Hijri calendar.
4. Confirm Your Mobile Phone
If you have a mobile phone, select ‘Yes, I have a mobile phone.’ If not, choose ‘No, I don’t have a mobile phone.’
5. Enter Your Mobile Number
If you have a mobile phone, enter your mobile number.
6. Verify with OTP
Click ‘search,’ and an OTP will be sent to your mobile. Enter the OTP and click ‘submit.’
The system will then display the registered SIM card numbers associated with your Iqama.
Iqama Check for SIM Cards via SMS
You can also check your SIM card status by sending an SMS to your mobile operator. Here are the details for different operators:
- Etihad Jawraa and Lebara users: Type ‘ID’ and send an SMS to 1755.
- Mobile users: Send a blank SMS to 616166.
- Sawa and STC users: Type in 9988 and send an SMS to 900.
- Virgin Mobile users: Send a blank SMS to 309985.
- Zain users: Send a blank SMS to 700123.
Your mobile operator will respond with the confirmation of the registered SIM card number(s) associated with your Iqama.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your Iqama is valid and checking its status regularly is essential for your stay in Saudi Arabia. Whether you use the MoL portal, the Absher portal, or other methods, it’s a straightforward process that can help you avoid any legal complications.
