An Iqama is a resident visa that permits foreign employees to reside and work in Saudi Arabia. They should have an Iqama in Saudi Arabia and a work license to follow Saudi Arabia’s work regulations and migration rules. Usually, an employer with a licensed company secures Iqama or residence visa for the employees. Iqama is an employee’s identity card, which he can use to get a mobile connection or open a bank account.
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Importance of keeping Iqama up to date while living in Saudi:
Getting your Iqama in Saudi Arabia is critical because it is your evidence of authorization to live and work in Saudi.
Whenever you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you should get an Iqama quickly. This ID record permits you to consent to rental arrangements, enter government organizations, and get your Saudi SIM card. It helps you to get an internet connection and identify as a resident when asked to prove your identity.
This supportive article strolls you through the intricate details of getting your ID finished in this country for yourself and your loved ones.
All ex-pats living in Saudi Arabia, from youngsters to grown-ups to the older, need an Iqama. If you want to bring over your family, you will initially have to figure this out – then you will want to support your better half and kids. It is likewise essential to realize that Iqamas should be renewed consistently.
Consequences of non-renewal of Iqama:
If a foreign employee doesn’t have a valid Iqama, he has to pay a penalty. When the responsibility is of the employer, non-payment of Iqama will attract a penalty for the employer. You need to pay SAR 500 for the first-time default in the renewal of Iqama. Second-time default would get you a fine of SAR 1000. The third time, the country would deport you.
For migration and labor policy compliance, the KSA government is exceptionally severe. For this reason, it has carried out a few arrangements through the Saudi Labour law. In such a manner, on the off chance that you are an exile looking for a task, before beginning to work, you should have a Saudi sponsor.
In this way, your recruiter follows up for your benefit to acquire the work license and residency card. In Saudi Arabia, this residency grant is Iqama.
Now Iqama renewal is possible 6 months in advance of the expiry. Even if the foreign employees are outside the country, renewal is possible. The Ministry of Labor allows quarterly renewal of Iqama.
Requirements to renew Iqama
If your Iqama is about to expire, you need to get some documents ready so that the renewal process will be easy and fast. You must have –
- Valid health insurance
- Paid dependent fee
- Paid fee for renewal
- Paid Maktab Amal fee
- AIDS test for 10 nationalities
- A professional membership account.
Penalties for non-renewal of Iqama
If you have not reported non-renewal of Iqama three days before the expiry:
- If the foreign employee is an individual or privately owned business, he will be expected to pay twofold the Iqama charges.
- If the candidate is working for a Saudi government organization, the company is liable for submitting a new Iqama. The employer should renew the resident visa of their staff in the span of 2 months of enrolling them and before its expiry. In the event of late renewal after iqama expiry, the organization will be expected to research with the employee to find out the reason for delayed non-renewal to decide the punishment for violation of laws.
Conclusion:
Getting your Iqama in Saudi Arabia is vital since it is your proof of approval to live and work in Saudi. At the point when you show up in Saudi Arabia, you ought to get an Iqama immediately. This ID record grants you to agree to rental plans, enter government associations, and get your Saudi SIM card.
It assists you with getting an internet connection and distinguishing as an occupant when requested to demonstrate your legality to reside in the country. Non-compliance with this rule will fetch you fines ranging from SAR 500 to deportation from KSA.
