“Digital Iqama: A Game Changer for Expat Life in Saudi Arabia”

Yes, that’s correct. The Saudi Arabian government has recently announced that expatriates no longer need to carry a physical print-out of their Iqama (residence permit) and can instead carry a digital copy on their mobile devices. This change is part of the country’s efforts to digitize and streamline various government processes.

What are the benefits of Digital Iqama

There are several benefits to having a digital copy of the Iqama:

1. Convenience: Carrying a digital Iqama on a mobile device is more convenient and less cumbersome than carrying a physical print-out.
2. Ease of access: With a digital Iqama, expatriates can easily access their residency information anytime, anywhere, without having to carry physical documents.
3. Improved security: Storing a digital Iqama on a secure device reduces the risk of losing or misplacing the physical document.
4. Environmentally friendly: A digital Iqama helps reduce paper waste, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
5. Faster processing times: With digital Iqamas, government officials can access and verify residency information quickly and efficiently, leading to faster processing times for various services.

Overall, the digital Iqama is part of the Saudi Arabian government’s efforts to digitize and modernize various government processes to make them more efficient, secure, and user-friendly.

Also Read: Passport Renewal Process In Saudi Arabia For Indian

What are the disadvantages of having a digitalIqama?

While having a digital Iqama has many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

1. Technical difficulties: If you don’t have access to a smartphone or the internet, or if you encounter technical difficulties with the Absher app, you won’t be able to access your digitalIqama.
2. Dependence on technology: With a digitalIqama, you are dependent on technology, which can be prone to failures or malfunctions.
3. Security concerns: Storing personal information, including your Iqama, on a digital device increases the risk of data theft or hacking.
4. Limited access to government services: Some government services may not yet accept digitalIqamas, meaning that you may still need to carry a physical copy of your Iqama in some situations.
5. Inconvenience in case of device loss or damage: If you lose or damage your device, you may not be able to access your digital Iqama until you replace the device or retrieve the information stored on it.

While these potential disadvantages are important to consider, the benefits of having a digital Iqama, such as convenience and ease of access, often outweigh these concerns for many people.

how does it look

The digital Iqama in Saudi Arabia is stored on the Absher app and can be accessed through the app on a mobile device. The digital Iqama typically includes the same information that is found on the physical Iqama, including the holder’s name, nationality, Iqama number, and validity dates.

The digital Iqama may also include a photo of the holder, as well as information about their work status, residency status, and sponsor. The digital Iqama is typically displayed in a format that is similar to a physical ID card, with the information presented in clear and concise manner.

It is important to note that the exact appearance of the digitalIqama may vary depending on the version of the Absher app and the type of mobile device being used to access it. However, in general, the digitalIqama is designed to be easily accessible and user-friendly, making it a convenient alternative to the physical print-out.

How to Get it

To get a digital copy of your Iqama in Saudi Arabia, you can follow these steps:

1. Install the Absher app: The Absher app is an official government app that allows you to access various government services, including the digital Iqama. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Register for an Absher account: To use the app, you need to create an Absher account. You can do this by providing your personal information and Iqama number.
3. Verify your information: Once you’ve registered for an Absher account, you’ll need to verify your personal information and Iqama details to ensure that they are correct.
4. Access your digitalIqama: After your information has been verified, you’ll be able to access a digitalcopy of your Iqama in the app. You can view, download, and share your Iqama as needed.

Note: It is important to keep your Absher account and the information stored in it up to date, to ensure that your digital Iqama remains valid and accessible.