The Iqama is the Saudi Arabian residency card. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is extremely stern in regards to non-national citizens working in the state. In order for a foreign employee to be able to work in KSA, they first must obtain a local sponsor. The local employer will act as your sponsor by applying and securing the appropriate work permit and residence card(Iqama). The foreign employee will only be able to work for the duration of the Iqama’s validity.
The Process of Iqama Application
The sponsor of the foreign employee is responsible for filing the application with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development(MLSD) within 90 days of applicant’s arrival and completing the due process.
- The sponsor or employer must obtain a Block Visa from the MLSD to apply for the Iqama. A Block Visa is a quota issued by the MLSD allowing an organization to sponsor non-national employees for work authorization. The Visa is issued on the basis of nationality, country of origin, and job role relative to academic qualifications. Once approved the affected company is issued a Visa Authorization number and Power of Attorney by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The Block Visa will allow the sponsor to apply for a work visa for the employee, in the employee’s residing country at an appropriate Saudi Diplomatic Mission. The application must be submitted with a medical certificate of the candidate completed by an approved medical center.
- Once the work visa is received, the employee will be allowed to enter the KSA and begin working. The employer will then have 90 days to submit the application for work permit and Iqama to the MLSD. The employee will be requested to take one more medical check-up at the selected local KSA government or private clinic. The medical report will be attached with the application.
- After the Iqama is received, normally taking about 2 weeks, the employee will be able to sponsor their family to live in the country. The Iqama granted to the dependants will not be linked to the sponsor or employer, but instead to the employee.
- If at any time the foreign employee must exit and re-enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the validity of the Iqama and work permit, an exit and re-entry permit must be obtained by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior. For travel outside the KSA on an entry visa, the employer has to keep the employee’s residence permit while he or she is away. In order to obtain an exit visa, the Iqama should be submitted to the passport authority along with the final exit visa application form.
Types of Saudi Arabia Visas
- Work Visa – This employment visa can be obtained by foreigners who will be employed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The foreigner must have a job offer from a sponsor in KSA. The sponsor must secure a Saudi work permit for the employee and later be allowed to apply for an employment visa in a Saudi mission. Once the Saudi Work Visa is obtained and after entry to the KSA, the employee must apply for a Residence permit with the Ministry of Labor.
- Residence Visa – US citizens can now apply for residence visa for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without the need of a sponsor due to the “Premium Residency Program”. The program aims to attract wealthy and skillful residents with a valid passport, clean criminal record, adequate financial standing, a valid medical report, and at least 21 year of age.
- Family Visa – Family visit visas can be issued to foreigners wanting to visit family members residing in KSA. The visitor must be a first line relative such as a parent, spouse, or child of the Saudi Arabian Citizen.
- Business Visa – This visa is issued to foreign visitors looking to visit KSA for business matters such as meetings, business correspondence, and training.
- Government Visa – This visa is granted to those invited by the Saudi Arabian Government Department of Institutions such as government hospitals, universities, or ministry. An approved visa authorization letter from the Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministry must be obtained.
- Escort Companion Visa – An escort companion visa is granted to those wanting to accompany someone traveling to Saudi Arabia. The visa extends to spouses and children under the age of 18. The escort visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry. The single-entry visa has a validity of 3 months, while the multiple-entry visa has the options of 6 months or 1-2 years.
