Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has clarified the penalties for renewing an Iqama (residence permit) after it has expired.

The clarification came in response to a question posted by a user on X, asking about the fine for renewing an Iqama that had expired by 15 days.

According to Jawazat, residents are allowed a grace period of three days after the Iqama expiry date. If the permit is renewed within this period, no fine is imposed.

However, if the Iqama is renewed after the three-day grace period, a fine of SAR 500 is imposed for the first delayed renewal, regardless of whether the permit expired by a few days or several months.

For a second delayed renewal, the penalty increases to SAR 1,000.

If the Iqama expires for a third time, the resident will again face a SAR 1,000 fine and may also be subject to deportation under Saudi regulations.

Jawazat also explained that if a resident has previously been fined for a delayed renewal, any subsequent delayed renewal will be treated as a repeat violation, attracting the higher SAR 1,000 penalty.

The authority urged expatriates to renew their Iqama before its expiry through their employer or sponsor to avoid financial penalties and possible legal consequences.