What Is Iqama And Why It’s Essential To Have Iqama While Living In The United Kingdom?

If you want to settle permanently in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a resident card that is known as iqama. It’s like an identity card to live in the state of Saudi Arabia when you want to settle legally. However, with a valid iqama, you can stay in Saudi Arabia for long term work.

Generally, the iqama application procedure is initiated by a Saudi employer who recruits an expatriate. Any person can apply for iqama for their family members. It is not an option to leave; if you want to settle permanently in Saudi Arabia, thus you must apply for Iqama because it’s an essential act that will be required to complete several formalities.

What Is The Procedure Of Applying?

Only a Saudi employer can afford to have their iqama. There is no hard and fast rule for applying the Saudi’s iqama; you have to give your passport and two recent photos in the application. Often, the procedure is managed by the company’s human resources department.

If you have already had a medical examination to obtain a Saudi Arabia visa, you will have to pass a second medical examination for getting the iqama. This medical examination must be performed in a local clinic of the Saudi authorities.

Once you have received your iqama, you will be able to apply for your family members. The procedure differs slightly because your wife and children will be related to you so that you will be responsible for your family members and their status. After some process, you have to sign in the application, and with the valid procedure, you should receive your iqama in less than two weeks.

The Advantages Of Iqama

Having an iqama is essential to perform certain formalities. Meanwhile, Saudi’s residency status is also accompanied by some constraints and responsibilities:

  • You must present your Iqama to open a bank account, rent an apartment, subscribe to a phone plan and benefit from various services such as electricity.
  • You must renew your iqama every year (the renewal fee may apply)
  • Your bank accounts will be blocked if your iqama expires until you can show proof of renewal.
  • You will need to present a legal proof of marriage to get an iqama for your wife. The status of cohabitants or legal spouses is not recognized.
  • Your employer may terminate your iqama at any time. In this case, the iqamas of your family members will also be ended.
  • You will have to pay renewal fees for the iqamas of your wife as well as for children.

Final Verdict:

Once you get your iqama, you have to keep it with you at all times. It will include your name, your date of birth, your nationality, your job title, the name of your employer and an iqama number. Meanwhile, the validity of the iqama comes with a short period. Its expiry date, as well as its date of issue, will also be indicated. Probably, it is true, without Iqama you are nothing.

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