The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in Saudi Arabia has announced that expatriate workers and their dependents, as well as foreign workers, are permitted to use, display, or carry digital iqamas on their smartphones. This new update allows for more convenience as the holders will no longer need to carry a physical copy of the iqama, or visit Jawazat offices to print a renewed iqama.
Fines for Late Iqama Renewal
Jawazat further outlined that penalties would be imposed if iqamas aren’t renewed within three days of their expiry. The fines are set at 500 riyals for the first-time lapse and escalate to 1,000 riyals for subsequent late renewals.
Renewal of Work-Linked Iqamas
Earlier this year, the Saudi Passports office sanctioned the issuance of iqamas linked to work permits, offering renewals for a minimum of three months. This rule also applies to dependents of expatriates, provided the necessary renewal fees are paid.
Exclusion of Domestic Workers from Iqama Fee Splitting
While the splitting of payments is permissible for work permits, iqama, employee levy, dependent fee, and other fees related to iqama issuance, domestic workers are specifically excluded from these benefits.
Early Renewal Conditions for Muqeem ID
In an earlier statement, Jawazat confirmed that Muqeem IDs of domestic workers can be renewed 14 months prior to iqama expiry. For commercial workers, renewal is only possible if the iqama validity is less than six months, contingent on a valid work permit and health insurance.
News Summary:
- Saudi Jawazat now permits expatriate workers and their dependents to use digital iqamas, negating the need for a physical copy.
- Fines of 500 and 1,000 riyals will be imposed for first-time and subsequent late iqama renewals, respectively.
- The Passports office allows the issuance and renewal of work-related iqamas for a minimum of three months.
- Domestic workers are not eligible for the benefit of splitting iqama-associated fees.
- Muqeem IDs for domestic workers can be renewed 14 months prior to iqama expiry; commercial workers’ IDs can be renewed if iqama validity is less than six months, with a valid work permit and health insurance.
