An IQAMA (also spelled “iqama” or “iqamah”) is a residence permit issued by the Saudi Arabian government to non-citizens who are legally living and working in the country. The IQAMA card contains the following important details:
- The holder’s full name and photograph
- The holder’s nationality
- The holder’s IQAMA number, which is a unique identification number assigned by the government
- The holder’s profession or job title
- The holder’s sponsor’s name and contact information (sponsor refers to the person or company that is sponsoring the holder’s stay in the country)
- The date of issue and expiration of the IQAMA
It is important to keep the IQAMA card up to date, as it is required to be shown in various situations such as entering and exiting the country, and during police checks.
Also Read: laws and regulations related to Iqama and its validity
Iqama card holder’s full name and photograph
Yes, the IQAMA card will contain the holder’s full name and a photograph. The name will be printed in Arabic and English, and the photograph will be a recent one, taken at the time of issuance or renewal of the IQAMA.
It is important to ensure that the name and photograph on the IQAMA card match the holder’s current legal identification documents, such as passport. Any discrepancies can cause problems during immigration checks or other official procedures.
What details will be printed on the card in Iqama holders nationality
The IQAMA card will contain the holder’s nationality. It will be printed in English and Arabic on the card. The nationality is usually specified as the name of the country of which the holder is a citizen. For example, if the holder is a citizen of Pakistan, the card will say “Pakistan” or “پاکستان” (in Arabic).
It is important for the holder to ensure that the nationality on the IQAMA card matches the one on their passport or other legal identification documents. Any discrepancies can cause problems during immigration checks or other official procedures.
Unique identification number of Iqama
The unique identification number of an Iqama (also known as a residence permit) is a 12-digit number that is assigned to foreign nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia. It is used as a form of identification and is required for various transactions, such as opening a bank account, enrolling in schools, and accessing healthcare. The number is usually printed on the physical Iqama card, as well as on electronic versions of the card that can be accessed through the Ministry of Interior’s website.
holder’s profession or job title
An iqama card includes the holder’s profession or job title. This is the occupation or work that the holder is authorized to do in Saudi Arabia. The profession or job title is usually listed in a specific format or terminology, depending on the issuing authority. For example, it may be listed as a specific job title, such as “engineer” or “teacher,” or as a general category, such as “professional” or “skilled worker.”
This information is important as it is used by the government to track the holder’s legal status in the country and to ensure that they are authorized to work in their specific field. It also helps the government to monitor the inflow of different professions and regulate the labor market accordingly. It’s also useful for the employer to know the holder’s profession and utilize their skills accordingly.
sponsor’s name and contact information
An iqama card includes the name and contact information of the sponsor, also known as the kafeel. The sponsor is the individual or organization that is responsible for the holder’s stay in Saudi Arabia. In most cases, the sponsor is the employer of the holder, but it can also be a family member or a government agency.
The sponsor’s information on the iqama card typically includes their name, contact details such as their phone number and email address, and their address. This information is important as it is used by the government to track the holder’s legal status in the country and to ensure that they are authorized to work and reside in Saudi Arabia. In case of any legal issues, the government will contact the sponsor for more information or clarification.
It is important for the holder to maintain a good relationship with their sponsor as they are legally responsible for them during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
date of issue and expiration of the IQAMA
An iqama card includes the date of issue and the expiration date. The date of issue is the date on which the card was issued to the holder by the Saudi Arabian government. The expiration date is the date on which the card is no longer valid and must be renewed.
The expiration date is usually set for a certain period, usually for two years, but it can also be shorter or longer depending on the type of visa or permit and the condition of the holder’s stay in the country. It’s important for the holder to keep track of their iqama expiration date and renew it before it expires, as it is required for various legal and financial transactions in Saudi Arabia. Failure to renew the iqama before it expires can result in fines or even deportation.
It is also important to check the validity of the iqama regularly, to make sure it is not expired or close to expiration.