The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in Saudi Arabia has set clear guidelines for issuing residency (Iqama) for domestic workers. Employers are required to issue it within a specified timeframe to avoid fines, and Jawazat has clarified the rules around delaying iqama issuance until after the worker’s probation period.
Jawazat’s Response to Iqama Issuance Delay Inquiry
A user inquired if the issuance of iqama for domestic workers can be delayed until the end of the probation or training period.
Jawazat responded that employers can issue iqamas for their workers directly through the Absher or Muqeem platforms. The process requires payment of fees, a mandatory medical test, and completion of other procedures necessary for iqama issuance.
Probation Period and Fine for Delayed Iqama Issuance
The trial period for domestic workers, according to Saudi labor laws, is 90 days. If iqama issuance is delayed beyond this period, a fine of 500 SAR will be imposed on the employer. This fine applies if the iqama is not issued within 90 days of the worker’s arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Conditions for Issuing Iqama
To issue an iqama, the following conditions must be met:
- Payment of Iqama Fees: All iqama fees and any applicable fines must be paid.
- Traffic Fine Clearance: All traffic fines registered against the worker must be cleared.
- Border Number: A border number, assigned at the entry port to Saudi Arabia, is required.
- Medical Test: The worker must pass a medical test at an approved medical center.
- Presence in Saudi Arabia: The worker must be physically present in the Kingdom during the issuance.
- Valid Passport: The worker’s passport should be valid at the time of issuance.
- Biometric Data: The worker’s biometric fingerprints must be registered with Jawazat.
- No Huroob Status: The worker must not be reported as absent from work (Huroob).
Iqama Issuance Procedure
Follow these steps to issue an iqama:
- Login to Absher Platform: Access the Absher portal using your credentials.
- Select Labor Services: Choose the “Labor Services” option.
- Choose Services: Select the relevant services option.
- Click on Issue Residence: Initiate the iqama issuance process and follow the prompts.
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