Read The 12 Details of The Iqama: Full Guide For Expatriates In Saudi Arabia

Read The 12 Details of The Iqama. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I am your trusted companion your Iqama a critical identity document for every expatriate residing here. My purpose extends beyond just proving your legal residence; I am your gateway to everything official, from opening a bank account to accessing healthcare, education, and employment.

Today, let me personally walk you through everything you need to know about the 12 important details engraved on me the Iqama ensuring you can navigate your life here with ease, compliance, and full confidence.

An Iqama (residence permit) is a document issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior (Jawazat) to foreign nationals who enter the country for work, family, or other purposes. Without me, you cannot legally live or work within the Kingdom. Knowing the information printed on me is not just useful it’s mandatory.

Each piece of information on me holds significant value. Below is a detailed explanation of each:

No.	Iqama Detail	Description	Important Tip
1	Iqama Name in English	Your English name appears above your Iqama number.	Ensure it matches exactly with your passport and Arabic name.
2	Iqama Name in Arabic	Your Arabic name appears beneath the Iqama number.	Correct any spelling errors immediately with your sponsor.
3	Iqama Number	A unique 10-digit number issued by Jawazat.	Memorize it — it’s required for almost every transaction.
4	Iqama ID Version	Shows the version or re-issuance history of your card.	Helps you track the number of reissues.
5	Place of Issue	Mentioned as “Electronic Services” after 2017.	Historical city-specific issuance is now digital.
6	Date of Issue	Printed in the Hijri (Islamic) calendar.	Expiry date is 5 years from the issue date, though not printed.
7	Date of Birth on Iqama	Shows your Gregorian date of birth.	Must match your passport exactly to avoid complications.
8	Iqama Profession	Your registered job title.	Must align with your actual job duties to avoid penalties.
9	Nationality	Shows your country of origin.	Impacts how some procedures are processed.
10	Religion	Your faith is printed, regulating access to holy cities.	Non-Muslims cannot enter Makkah and Madinah.
11	Name of Employer	Your employer’s Arabic name is listed.	Illegal to work for an employer not mentioned here.
12	Iqama Number in English	Iqama number printed again at the bottom in English.	Useful for easier reading during transactions.

1. Iqama Name In English

My first line displays your name in English, right above your Iqama number. It’s critical that your English name:

• Matches the spelling in your passport.
• Aligns with your Arabic name.
• Is error-free, as mistakes could delay official processes.

Found a mistake? Immediately ask your sponsor to rectify it before accepting the Iqama.

2. Iqama Name In Arabic

Beneath your Iqama number, your name appears beautifully in Arabic. This confirms your identity in official Arabic-speaking systems.

Double-check its spelling; inaccuracies must be corrected without delay.

3. Iqama Number

Your Iqama number is a unique 10-digit identification issued by Saudi Jawazat. It tracks your residence, status, and interactions within Saudi Arabia.

• Always memorize this number.
• You’ll need it for banking, hospital visits, Absher services, and more.

You can verify your Iqama status anytime via the Ministry of Interior’s website.

4. Iqama ID Version

The ID Version tells how many times your card has been reissued. This is especially useful after renewals, as the version updates each time your physical card changes.

5. Place of Issue

Once upon a time, my issuance location would have named a Saudi city like Riyadh or Jeddah. Post-2017, modernization moved everything online, and now the place of issue says “Electronic Services”.

6. Date of Issue

I proudly wear my issue date in Arabic Hijri calendar format.

• Although my expiry date is no longer printed, I usually last for 5 years from my issuance date.
• Always track my expiry via Absher or your HR department.

Renewal before expiry saves you from heavy fines.

7. Date of Birth on Iqama

Your Gregorian date of birth is printed clearly.

• It must match exactly with your passport to ensure you face no trouble in visas, healthcare, or official applications.

Any error? Fix it immediately by contacting Jawazat through your employer.

8. Iqama Profession

My lines also declare your official profession, as recognized by Saudi labor authorities.

Important:

• Your profession should genuinely reflect your actual work.
• Discrepancies can result in fines, job termination, or even deportation under Article 38 of Saudi Labor Law.

If your job role changes, legally update your profession through your sponsor.

9. Nationality

Your nationality is another key detail printed on me.

• It influences various government treatments and procedural requirements.
• Awareness of cultural differences can make your stay in Saudi Arabia smoother and more respectful.

10. Religion

Your religion is officially mentioned on your Iqama.

• Muslims are permitted to enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
• Non-Muslims must avoid these sacred areas to respect religious guidelines and avoid legal issues.

Always respect Saudi Arabia’s deeply rooted religious norms.

11. Name of Employer

My surface carries the Arabic name of your employer.

• Only work for this listed employer.
• Working for anyone else without a proper transfer or permission is illegal and punishable by law.

Keep your employment sponsorship status updated to avoid violations.

12. Iqama Number In English

Lastly, for ease of use, I feature your Iqama number again in English, at the bottom-left corner.

• It helps during non-Arabic transactions, like banking, SIM card registration, and airport immigration.

Understanding every aspect of me, your Iqama, is not just beneficial — it’s necessary. Every line, number, and word on me has a reason. Mistakes, even small ones, can delay vital services, cause legal troubles, or result in fines. By staying updated and informed, you ensure a smooth, fulfilling stay in Saudi Arabia whether for work, business, or family life.

Treat me with the importance I deserve, update my details whenever required, and always stay aware of your status.

Stay legal. Stay confident. And embrace your journey in Saudi Arabia with full authority and peace of mind.