Lost Your Iqama: We have The Solution For You
Lost Your Iqama. Losing your Saudi Iqama (residence permit) can be stressful, especially given the strict legal and regulatory requirements for expats living in the Kingdom. Whether it was stolen, misplaced, or damaged beyond recognition, knowing the right steps can save you time, stress, and money.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what to do if your Iqama is lost, the penalties involved, how to report a lost Iqama, and how to get a new Iqama reissued step-by-step. Whether you’re an employee or a dependent, this guide has got you covered.
What Is an Iqama and Why Is It Important?
The Saudi Iqama is the official residency card issued to expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia. It is your legal identity, proof of residency, and must be carried at all times. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, travel within the Kingdom, or access basic services.
So, when your Iqama is lost, reporting it and getting a replacement becomes a top priority.
Saudi Arabia imposes strict penalties for not reporting a lost or stolen Iqama within 24 hours. Below is a table summarizing the fines:
| Number of Offenses | Penalty (SAR) |
|---|---|
| First Time | 1,000 |
| Second Time | 2,000 |
| Third Time | 3,000 |
If your Iqama was stolen and you file a police report within 24 hours, the fee is waived.
Guide To Report a Lost Iqama (report-lost-iqama)
1. Notify Your Sponsor Immediately
Whether you’re an employee or dependent, your sponsor (Kafeel) plays a crucial role. Here’s what to do:
- Employees: Inform your company’s GRO or Kafeel.
- Dependents: Notify the head of your family (your legal sponsor).
Prompt communication ensures proper reporting and avoids delays or fines.
2. File a Police Report (Only If Stolen)
If your Iqama was stolen:
- Visit the nearest police station.
- Bring your sponsor with you.
- Submit a written report in Arabic detailing the theft.
- The police will issue a document confirming the report.
If your Iqama was lost (not stolen), you may skip this step—unless instructed otherwise by your sponsor.
3. Pay the Replacement Fee
Currently, there is no separate option in SADAD to pay for a lost Iqama. Instead, you must:
- Use the “Iqama Profession Change” fee option in SADAD.
- Look for the fee listed under Passport Deposits.
- Pay the appropriate fee based on how many times you’ve lost it.
Documents Required To Replace a Lost Iqama {(required-documents)
A. For Employees
Your sponsor must visit the Jawazat office with:
- Jawazat Appointment (choose “Resident Services”)
- Filled Iqama Form (Arabic)
- Police Report (if applicable)
- Fee Payment Receipt
- Copy of Lost Iqama
- Copy of Passport
- 2 Passport-sized Photos
B. For Dependents
You can submit the request online through Absher. Prepare a single PDF file with:
- Jawazat Appointment
- Completed Iqama Form (Arabic)
- Police Report (if applicable)
- Payment Receipt
- Copy of lost Iqama
- Copy of dependent’s passport
- Copy of sponsor’s Iqama and passport
How To Report Lost Iqama on Absher (report-on-absher)
Follow these steps to report a lost dependent’s Iqama online:
- Step 1: Visit: https://www.absher.sa
- Step 2: Switch to English if needed.
- Step 3: Log in to your Absher account.
- Step 4: Go to: My Services → Passports → Tawasul.
- Step 5: Click “New Request.”
- Step 6: Your screen will display a new form.
- Step 7: Switch the page language to English if you’re not familiar with Arabic. Select sector: خدمات للمقيمين داخل المملكة.
- Step 7: Choose service: الإبلاغ عن فقدان أو تلف هوية مقيم.
- Step 8: Describe how the Iqama was lost.
- Step 9: Attach the prepared PDF file with all required documents.
- Step 10: Submit the request.
You’ll get a notification once your application is processed.
Once your Tawasul request is approved,here’s what to do next:
- Log in to Absher.
- Navigate to General Services → Passports → Tawasul.
- Click on “Inquire for Requests.”
- If approved, print the confirmation message.
- Visit the nearest Jawazat office with: Tawasul confirmation: All original documents
Your new Iqama is usually issued within 1–3 business days.
FAQs About Lost Your Iqama
Q1) What to do if Saudi Iqama is lost?
Ans:- Report the loss of a residence permit to the competent authority or the police in places where there is no passport. A letter from the employer or the head of the family’s resident director of the Passport Department explaining the reasons for my loss of residence permit.
Q2) How much fine for lost IQAMA?
- Ans:- First Offense: A fine of SR 500 for expired Iqama and SR 1,000 for no Iqama.
- For a second offense: The fine increases to SR 1,000 for an expired Iqama and SR 2,000 for no Iqama.
- For a third offense: SR 1,500 is fined for an expired Iqama and SR 3,000 for no Iqama, along with deportation proceedings.
Q3) What happens if you lose your Saudi ID?
Ans:- The police and national defense administration must be notified immediately if a national ID card or family register is lost or damaged. After this, the Civil Affairs Department can process a replacement request. Old national ID cards issued to male citizens are valid until 9/5/1418H.
Conclusion
Losing your Saudi Iqama may seem like a nightmare, but with the right steps, it’s entirely manageable. Acting quickly reporting to your sponsor, paying the correct fees, and submitting documents is key to avoiding penalties.
Remember:
- File a police report if the Iqama was stolen.
- Use Absher for dependent Iqama reissuance.
- Keep PDF copies of all essential documents.
- Always carry a photocopy of your Iqama to avoid problems in emergencies.
By following this guide, you’ll successfully navigate the Saudi Iqama lost process and have your new card in hand without unnecessary hassle. Stay calm, stay informed—and regain your legal identity in the Kingdom with confidence.
