Iqama is a personal identity card issued by Saudi Government (Ministry of Interior) for Expatriates. When you enter newly in kingdom on a 90 days working visa your sponsor manages to get Iqama for you within the visa validity period.
Personal details are included on the IQAMA, it helps to carry out the official transactions in the kingdom, such as opening a bank account, issuing driving license, registering a SIM card, vehicle registration and used in almost all places.
Sample of Resident Permit (IQAMA)
NEW IQAMA (Resident ID) PROCESSING
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia on work visa, Your residence permit is valid for 90 days.
Prior to visa expiry, It is your employer responsibility to get residence permit Iqama for you.
Iqama is right of every employee, from your sponsor before your work visa expires.
There will be a penalty for your Sponsor (Employer), If your Iqama is not issued within 90 days upon your arrival.
STEPS FOR APPLYING IQAMA FOR FIRST TIME
1. Your Employer will ask you to go for medical test in medical center, where you will carry 2 passport size photograph and your resident Passport. (Make sure Center is approved for carrying medical test, most of them are approved)
2. Within 2-3 days your medical report will be sent directly to Ministry and you will receive a confirmation message on the number given at the time of medical.
3. If you are a professional individual you need to register yourself with respective council, if your are from medical field you need to register at Saudi Commission for Health Specialties & if from engineering then at Saudi council of Engineers(SEC).
4. After all the above process is done, just wait until your employers provide you with new IQAMA & make sure to keep you passport along with you, it employee's right to keep their PASSPORT.
