Quick Summary
- Check iqama and exit visa status via Absher app — fastest method
- No Saudi SIM? Use Muqeem.sa — works with just iqama number and date of birth
- Check incoming work visa status via MOFA at visa.mofa.gov.sa
- Check at least 3 months before expiry and notify HR to begin renewal
- Iqama red status blocks travel, renewal and official transactions — fix immediately
- Always check the day before any international trip without exception
- Fine for expired iqama: SAR 100 per day — employer's legal responsibility
Which Portal to Use — Quick Reference
Saudi Arabia has multiple government portals for checking different types of visa and residency status. Use this table to find the right one instantly:
| What to Check | Best Portal | URL | Saudi SIM Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your iqama status and expiry | Absher app | absher.sa | Yes |
| Exit re-entry visa status | Absher app | absher.sa | Yes |
| Iqama — no Saudi SIM | Muqeem website | muqeem.sa | No ✅ |
| Employment contract status | Qiwa platform | qiwa.sa | Yes |
| Incoming work visa status | MOFA visa inquiry | visa.mofa.gov.sa | No ✅ |
| Huroob / absconding status | Absher app | absher.sa | Yes |
| Dependent / family iqama | Absher — My Family | absher.sa | Yes |
Why You Must Check Your Status Yourself
Many expats rely entirely on their HR department to track iqama expiry and initiate renewal. This is a mistake. HR departments manage hundreds of employees — iqamas get missed, renewals get delayed and you end up with an expired iqama through no fault of your own.
Checking your iqama status takes less than two minutes and you can do it from anywhere in the world. Make it a monthly habit — check on the first of every month and you will never be caught off guard.
Method 1 — Absher App (Fastest & Most Complete)
Absher is the most comprehensive tool — it shows your iqama status, exit visa, Huroob status, violations and dependent information all in one place.
Open Absher and Log In
Download the Absher app from App Store or Google Play — publisher must be Ministry of Interior Saudi Arabia. Log in with your iqama number and password. New users need to register first using iqama number, Hijri date of birth and Saudi mobile number.
Check Your Iqama Status
Go to My Services → Residency Services → Iqama Status. Your iqama expiry date, current status (Active / Expired / Under Renewal) and sponsor name are displayed. Screenshot and save for records.
Check Exit Visa Status
Go to My Services → Exit Visas. Your active exit re-entry visa is shown with issue date, expiry date and entry type (single/multiple). If no visa is shown, no exit visa has been issued — you cannot travel until one is issued by your employer.
Check for Huroob or Alerts
Look for any notification badges or red alerts on your Absher home screen. These indicate violations, pending fines or Huroob status. If you see a Huroob alert, read our Huroob Status Guide immediately and file an HRSD complaint without delay.
Check Family / Dependent Status
Go to My Family section. Each dependent's iqama status and expiry is listed separately. Family visit visas also appear here. Check all family members independently — their expiry dates may differ from yours.
Method 2 — Muqeem Website (No Saudi SIM Needed)
The Muqeem website is the best option when you do not have your Saudi SIM active — especially useful when checking from outside Saudi Arabia.
Visit muqeem.sa
Open any browser and go to muqeem.sa. This is the official Saudi government platform for expatriate residency services. No account registration is needed.
Select Iqama Inquiry
Look for Iqama Inquiry or Residency Inquiry in the services section. This service works without OTP verification or Saudi SIM card.
Enter Iqama Number and Date of Birth
Enter your iqama number and date of birth in Hijri format. If you do not know your Hijri date, search online for a "Gregorian to Hijri converter." Complete the captcha and submit.
View and Screenshot Results
Your iqama details including expiry date, sponsor name and current status are displayed. Take a screenshot for your records — this serves as proof of your residency status.
Method 3 — Qiwa Platform (Employment + Iqama)
Qiwa shows your iqama status as part of your employment profile and is also where you check your employment contract, sponsorship transfer status and labour complaints.
- Visit qiwa.sa and log in with your iqama number
- Go to your profile or My Account section
- Look for Residency Details or Iqama Information
- Your iqama expiry date and current status are displayed alongside your employment contract details
Qiwa is the only platform where you can also check your employment contract status — whether your employer has uploaded a valid contract on the Qiwa system. Read our Qiwa Platform Guide for full details.
Method 4 — MOFA Portal (Incoming Work Visa from Abroad)
If you are outside Saudi Arabia waiting for a work visa to be processed, check its status via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa inquiry tool — no Saudi SIM or Absher account needed.
- Visit visa.mofa.gov.sa
- Select Visa Inquiry or Check Visa Status
- Enter your passport number, nationality and visa application reference number
- Status shows as: Under Processing, Approved, Rejected or Issued
- If approved — collect your visa at the Saudi embassy or check if available as an e-visa
- If rejected — contact your employer in Saudi Arabia for next steps
Iqama Red Status vs Green Status — What It Means
When you check your iqama on Absher or Muqeem you may see a colour indicator showing your status. Understanding red vs green is critical.
Green Status — All Good
- Iqama is valid and active
- No blocks or violations on record
- Free to travel with valid exit visa
- Can renew iqama normally
- Can conduct all government transactions
Red Status — Action Required
- Iqama is blocked or flagged
- Cannot renew iqama
- Cannot exit Saudi Arabia
- Cannot conduct official transactions
- Must resolve the underlying cause immediately
Common Causes of Red Status and How to Fix
- Expired iqama — Contact HR urgently. Fine accumulates at SAR 100/day.
- Huroob filed by employer — File HRSD complaint at hrsd.gov.sa immediately. Read our Huroob Guide.
- Unpaid traffic fines — Pay via Absher or Muroor (traffic) portal.
- Employer block — Contact HR to identify the reason. May need legal help.
- Iqama cancelled by employer — Contact HRSD immediately. File a complaint if done without your consent.
Understanding All Status Results
| Status Shown | What It Means | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Active / Valid | Iqama is current and valid | Monitor expiry date monthly — no action now |
| Expiring Soon | Less than 90 days to expiry | Notify HR immediately to begin renewal process |
| Expired | Past expiry date | Contact HR urgently — SAR 100/day fine accumulating |
| Under Renewal | Renewal in process by employer | Follow up with HR on expected completion date |
| Cancelled | Sponsorship cancelled by employer | Contact employer and HRSD immediately — urgent |
| Huroob / Absconding | Employer filed absconding report | File HRSD complaint immediately — do not delay |
| No Record Found | Data mismatch or entry error | Double-check iqama number — try Muqeem as alternative |
How Far in Advance Should You Check?
- Monthly — Quick check on the first of every month. Takes 2 minutes on Absher. Keeps you aware of your status at all times.
- 3 months before expiry — Formally notify HR in writing that renewal is due. Gives them adequate time to process without rushing.
- 6 weeks before expiry — Follow up with HR if renewal has not started. Request a written confirmation of the renewal timeline.
- 2 weeks before expiry — If not yet renewed, escalate to senior HR or management. Urgency is critical at this stage.
- Day before every trip — Check iqama status and exit visa status on Absher the day before every international departure without exception.
- After any employment dispute — Check Absher daily if you have had any dispute with your employer. Huroob can be filed retaliatorily and you want to catch it immediately.
Checking Dependent Family Members Iqama Status
If you have family members on your iqama sponsorship their residency permits are separate from yours and may have different expiry dates. Check them independently and include them in your renewal request to HR at the same time as yours.
- On Absher — go to My Family or Dependents after logging in. Each dependent's iqama expiry and status is listed separately.
- On Muqeem — each dependent can be checked individually using their own iqama number and Hijri date of birth.
- Dependent iqamas may have different expiry dates — do not assume they expire on the same date as yours.
- Include all dependents in your renewal request to HR — ask for written confirmation that all family members are included.
Calculate Your Iqama Late Fine
If your iqama has already expired, use our free calculator to find out exactly how much the fine is and who is legally responsible for paying it.
Calculate Iqama Fine — FreeFrequently Asked Questions
I cannot access Absher because I do not have my Saudi SIM active. How else can I check?
Use the Muqeem website at muqeem.sa — it does not require OTP verification via Saudi SIM. You only need your iqama number and date of birth in Hijri format. This is the best option for checking from outside Saudi Arabia. For work visa status use visa.mofa.gov.sa.
Absher shows my iqama as expired but HR says it was renewed. Who is correct?
There can be a 24–48 hour delay between when renewal is processed and when Absher updates. Ask HR for the transaction reference number as proof. If Absher still shows expired after 48 hours, something went wrong with the renewal processing and you should escalate urgently.
Absher shows a different expiry date than what is printed on my iqama card. Which is correct?
The Absher system shows the live database record — this is the authoritative version. The printed iqama card may be outdated if a renewal was processed but a new card not yet printed. For travel purposes the system record on Absher is what immigration checks — not the physical card.
My iqama shows the expiry date in Hijri. How do I convert to Gregorian?
Search "Hijri to Gregorian converter" on Google and use any of the free converter tools. Enter the Hijri date shown on Absher and it converts instantly to the Gregorian calendar date. The Absher app usually shows both formats — look carefully for the second date shown.
My Absher shows Huroob against my name but I have not absconded. What do I do?
File an HRSD complaint immediately at hrsd.gov.sa selecting "False Huroob Report." This is a serious situation — Huroob prevents iqama renewal, travel and official transactions. Do not delay. If you are outside Saudi Arabia contact your embassy as well. Full details: Huroob Status Guide.
What does Cancelled status mean on Absher?
A Cancelled status means your iqama sponsorship has been cancelled by your employer — you no longer have valid residency in Saudi Arabia. Contact your employer and HRSD immediately. If cancelled without your knowledge or consent, file an HRSD complaint right away.