The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) employs the Kafala (sponsorship) system to oversee the employment of expatriate workers. All foreign nationals looking to work in Saudi Arabia must be sponsored by a kafeel (sponsor), who can be a company or a Saudi citizen.
For expatriate workers, it is mandatory to have a written employment contract that includes critical details like employment duration, compensation, Iqama cost, medical expenses, and vacation terms. Throughout the contract period, the sponsor holds responsibilities for the sponsored employee.
Being an expatriate worker in Saudi Arabia means that you'll require explicit permission from your sponsor for various activities, such as entering or leaving the country and changing jobs. Therefore, it's vital to know how to check your sponsor's name and ID.
Understanding the Sponsor ID on Saudi Arabian Visas
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Labour assigns a unique identification number to every business entity, known as the Sponsor ID. This 10-digit numeric code is essential for identifying Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) sponsors in Saudi Arabia.
Expatriates need the Sponsor ID for various purposes, including obtaining the Iqama card (residence and work permit), checking visa status, renewing driving licenses, opening bank accounts, and monitoring medical insurance expiration dates.
How to Verify Your Kafeel Name on the Iqama?
Expatriates can find their sponsor's name and Sponsor ID through different sources:
1. Checking Sponsor ID through the Passport: The Sponsor ID can be found on the stamped KSA visa page in your passport. Look at the fifth line from the right, where you'll find the 10-digit sponsor ID. It might be in Arabic, so translation assistance may be needed.
2. Checking Kafeel Name and Sponsor ID through Absher: To access your sponsor ID in Saudi Arabia, you should have an Absher account. This account serves various purposes, such as checking Iqama expiration dates, applying for exit/re-entry visas, and renewing driving licenses. Register for an Absher account on the website, providing your Iqama number, mobile number, username, password, and language. After verification via an SMS code, your account will be ready. To find your sponsor ID through Absher:
a. Log in to your Absher account.
b. Go to the "Dashboard" and click on "More Detail."
c. You'll find your Kafeel's name and ID among other information.
Checking Sponsor ID through the Ministry of Labour (MOL) Website: By entering your Iqama number and name on the Ministry of Labour website, you can find your sponsor's name and ID. This method can also be used to check the status of your Iqama transfer request.
Understanding the Sponsor Colour Category
The Sponsor Colour, or Nitaqat Colour, reflects the Saudization rate of your employer company. This color category influences job prospects, visa transfers, Iqama renewals, and more. You can find your company's color category on the Ministry of Labour website by entering your passport number, residency number, and nationality. The categories include:
. Red: Low Saudization, limited benefits.
. Yellow: Slightly better than red, with specific visa issuance conditions.
. Green: Better Saudization, allowing Iqama renewal every two months and job changes.
. Green or Platinum: The most desirable category, allowing more foreign worker hires and hassle-free visa transfers and job changes.
Understanding the Kafala system and these essential details is crucial for expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a smoother experience when navigating the country's employment landscape.
