According to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), expatriates do not have to carry a printed copy of their residency permit (Iqama) if it is renewed.
Expats and foreign workers may use their digital Iqama on their smartphones instead of carrying their hard copies if they renew their Iqama, and there is no need to take a printout from the Jawazat office.
As of the date of issue, the Muqeem ID (Resident Identity) is valid for 5 years, and it must be renewed electronically every year through Absher.
Expats who fail to renew their Iqama three days after expiration will be fined. If the delay is repeated, the penalty is SR1,000.
Jawazat previously allowed employers to issue Iqamas linked to work permits and renew them every three months at a minimum.
After paying the necessary fees, dependents of expatriates can also renew their passports. This procedure does not apply to domestic workers and the like.
To get an Iqama, the Jawazat allows split payment of the fees for a work permit, a residency permit, an employee's levy, a dependent's fee, and other fees.
It is noteworthy that the Muqeem ID of domestic workers can be renewed if its validity is less than 14 months, and for commercial workers, it can be renewed if it remains valid for less than 6 months, as long as it has a valid work permit and a valid health insurance policy.
