Iqama Religion Change Complete Guide For Expatriates
Iqama Religion Change Complete Guide For Expatriates. Relocating to Saudi Arabia as an expatriate comes with essential responsibilities, one of which is ensuring that your Iqama (residency permit) correctly reflects your religion. Whether your religion is incorrectly recorded or you have converted to Islam after arriving in the Kingdom, updating your Iqama is crucial.
This detailed guide explains the step-by-step process for changing religion on your Iqama, the role of your sponsor, required documents, and how to validate changes on the Absher portal.
Iqama Religion Change Correct Religion on Iqama Important
Saudi Arabia, as the custodian of Islam’s holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah, has strict regulations restricting non-Muslims from entering these sacred places. If you are a Muslim and your Iqama incorrectly reflects otherwise, you may face travel restrictions or administrative issues. Hence, keeping this information accurate is essential for a smooth experience in the Kingdom.
Sponsor Role In Changing Religion on Iqama
Your sponsor plays a vital role in this process:
- For Employees: The General Relations Officer (GRO) of the company handles the request.
- For Dependents: The family head (usually the primary Iqama holder) manages the update for their dependents.
If your religion is incorrect or you have embraced Islam, your sponsor will facilitate the necessary changes at Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports).
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Religion on Iqama
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Book a Jawazat Appointment | Log in to Absher and schedule an appointment under Resident Services. |
| 2. Fill Out the Information Change Form | Complete the form, focusing on Points 9 (Change of Religion on Iqama), 10 (Non-Muslim), and 11 (Islam). |
| 3. Visit the Jawazat Office | Upon arrival, head to the “Ask Me” or Information Help Desk for guidance. |
| 4. Identify the Relevant Section | Locate the section that deals with Family Iqama-related cases. |
| 5. Verification by Jawazat Officer | The officer will verify your details and process the change. Be prepared for any questions regarding conversion. |
| 6. Validate on Absher Portal | Once the update is done, log in to Absher and verify the changes. |
| 7. Print the New Iqama | The officer will provide instructions on where to print your new Iqama. |
Real-Life Experience Correcting Family Iqama Religion
A community member shared their experience of updating their family’s Iqama:
- Initial Issue: The family’s Iqama reflected the wrong religion.
- Steps Taken: The sponsor (family head) booked a Jawazat appointment and visited the Riyadh Main Office.
- Process at Jawazat:
The officer reviewed the details and processed the correction.
No additional form was required in this case.
The Absher portal reflected the update within 2-3 minutes.
- Challenge Faced: Language barriers at the Riyadh Jawazat office made it difficult to communicate in English. The member recommended bringing a translator if needed.
FAQs About How To Change Religion on Iqama Complete Guide For Expatriates
Visit the “Ask Me or Information Help Desk”: Contact the Jawazat office’s “Ask Me or Information Help Desk”. As you continue the process of changing your religion, the team there will assist you in finding the right section.
The first step in the process is to make an appointment with Jawazat under the Resident Services category of services.
Conclusion
Ensuring your Iqama accurately reflects your religion is essential for a hassle-free life in Saudi Arabia. By following the correct procedures and seeking help from your sponsor, you can smoothly update this crucial information.
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