Expats and their dependents in Saudi Arabia can now download digital iqama through Absher individuals and print it or use it through their smart devices through the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).
Saudi Jawazat confirmed on Twitter that residents no longer need to visit passport offices to print their iqama or resident identity, as they can download digital iqama online and use it wherever it is needed.
If an individual's iqama is renewed but he or she does not receive a physical iqama, the digital iqama may be downloaded from Absher individuals or Tawakkalna or they can carry a printed copy of the online iqama for smart devices. This is applicable to expatriates and their dependents alike.
Procedure to download Digital Iqama online from Absher Individuals portal :
1. Verify your OTP received on your mobile by logging into your Absher Individuals account.
2. Click on “View Digital Documents
3. Now you can see, Your Digital Iqama ID now.
A second way is to go to your Dashboard, then click on Digital documents, in a pop up you will see your Digital Iqama in Arabic, if it is expired, you will see the expired label at the top.
Procedure to download Digital Resident ID online from Absher :
1. Login to your Absher Individuals application, Verify OTP.
2. Click on ‘Menu’ icon of three lines.
3. Select “View Digital Documents”.
Note : You can view your Digital Iqama details in English if you choose English during login, and in Arabic if you choose Arabic.
Procedure to Download Digital Iqama ID through Tawakkalna :
1. Login to Tawakkalan, using your Absher login details.
2. Click on “Digital Document”.
3. Click on “Iqama ID”.
The Digital Resident ID (Iqama ID) in English contains all the following.
ID Version number, Arabic name and English name, Iqama number, Date of Birth, Nationality, Iqama Expiry Date, Occupation, Place of Birth, Religion, Sponsor ID, Issuing Place, Sponsor name in Arabic and a QR code.
Earlier this, Saudi Jawazat clarified that, in case iqama is renewed of an expat worker or his dependents or foreign workers, then he or she can use, show or carry the digital iqama on their smartphone. There is no need to carry physical copy, or visit the Jawazat office to take a print of their renewed iqama.
Fine for delaying the renewal of Iqama :
Passport offices in Saudi Arabia have stated the fines that will be imposed if the iqama is not renewed within 3 days of its expiration date. If you fail to renew your iqama on time, you will be fined 500 riyals for the first time and 1,000 riyals for the second time.
- Muqeem ID Cards (physical Iqama) are valid for five years from the date of issuance, however, they must be renewed each year online through Absher.
Previously, the Jawazat office in Saudi Arabia permitted the employer to issue iqamas linked to work permits and renew them for at least three months. After paying the required fees, it is also applicable to dependents of expatriates.
Domestic workers are excluded from splitting iqama fees. Work permits, iqama, employee levy, dependent fee, and other fees for issuing iqama are subject to splitting payments.
