Saudi Arabia Announces New Policy For Iqama Renewal: Everything Residents Must Know

Saudi Arabia Announces New policy For ‘Iqama’ Renewal. As Saudi Iqama, I play a critical role in the lives of millions of expatriates living and working in the Kingdom. Whether you are a foreign worker, a dependent, or a sponsor, your residency permit commonly known as the Iqama is your legal identity in Saudi Arabia. Recently, the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has implemented a new policy for Iqama renewal, making life easier for residents with family members or companions currently outside the Kingdom.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through this policy update, what it means for residents, and how you can take advantage of the new rules. Whether you’re looking to renew your Iqama online, check your Iqama expiry, or understand the rules for dependents, this article has everything you need.

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The new Iqama renewal policy introduced by Jawazat in Saudi Arabia allows the head of a household (the sponsor) to renew their Iqama even if their dependents or companions are currently outside the Kingdom. This marks a major shift from previous procedures that required all listed individuals on the Iqama to be physically present in the country.

As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve under Vision 2030, this policy is part of a broader effort to enhance the convenience and flexibility of residency regulations. It provides significant relief for expat families, especially those navigating complex travel situations or who have children studying abroad.

Before this update, families were often forced to delay their Iqama renewal or bear the cost of urgent return travel for dependents, just to fulfill residency renewal requirements.

Now, with this new Iqama renewal policy, these hurdles are minimized.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand eligibility:

Criteria	Condition
Head of Household (Sponsor)	Must be inside Saudi Arabia
Dependent or Companion	Can be outside the Kingdom
Valid Passport	Required for all individuals
Outstanding Dues	Must be cleared before renewal
Absher Account	Needed for online processing

Here’s how you can complete the Iqama renewal process under the new rules:

• Step 1: Log in to Absher: Visit the Absher portal and log in using your credentials.
• Step 2: Go to “Services”: Click on the “My Services” section and select “Passports”.
• Step 3: Choose “Renew Residency”: Select the individual whose Iqama you wish to renew. This can include your dependents, even if they are currently outside the Kingdom.
• Step 4: Pay the Fees: Use online banking or Sadad to pay the required Iqama renewal fees.
• Step 5: Confirm and Submit: Ensure all information is correct and submit the request. Your Iqama will be updated electronically.

Children Studying Abroad

If your child is a dependent on your Iqama and is studying in another country, you can still renew their residency without requiring them to return.

Family on Vacation

If your wife and children are visiting relatives abroad or on a short vacation, there’s no need to interrupt their plans just for Iqama renewal.

Domestic Workers Traveling

Maids, drivers, or other companions who accompany families abroad can have their Iqama renewed without being present in the Kingdom.

• Flexibility for Expats: No need for dependents to return just to renew their residency.
• Time-Saving: Quicker processing through Absher without unnecessary delays.
• Cost-Effective: Saves on airfare and logistical expenses.
• Legal Compliance: Helps residents stay compliant with Saudi residency regulations.

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) urges residents to ensure the following before applying for Iqama renewal:

• All fines or traffic violations should be paid off.
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months.
• Iqama renewal fees must be paid before starting the process.
• Use official platforms like Absher or Muqeem for renewal to avoid fraud.

As your legal identity in Saudi Arabia, I am essential for accessing healthcare, banking services, mobile networks, and more. Keeping me valid and updated is not just a requirement. it’s your gateway to living smoothly in the Kingdom.

With this new policy on Iqama renewal, Saudi Arabia continues to improve the residency experience for expatriates. By recognizing the practical realities of global families, the government has taken a progressive step toward modernization and convenience.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and let me your Saudi Iqama serve you better.