Quick Summary
- When you get a new passport you must update it on your iqama — mandatory
- Update is done by your employer (HR/PRO) through Absher Business or Jawazat
- Update must be completed within 90 days of receiving new passport
- Traveling with a mismatched passport and iqama causes serious airport problems
- Your iqama number stays the same — only the passport number on record changes
- New passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining
Why You Must Update Your Passport on Your Iqama
Your iqama is linked to your passport number. When you renew your passport or receive a new one, the old passport number on your iqama becomes outdated. This creates a mismatch between the passport you are carrying and what the Saudi government system shows for your iqama.
This mismatch causes real problems including:
- Airport exit and entry complications — border systems flag the mismatch
- Inability to use the new passport for any official transaction
- Iqama renewal problems — renewal requires matching passport data
- Problems opening or updating bank accounts
- Issues with government services and Absher verification
When Do You Need to Update Your Passport?
- Passport expired and renewed — most common situation. Your home country issued a new passport when the old one expired.
- Passport lost or stolen and replaced — emergency or replacement passport from your embassy has a new number that must be updated.
- Name change in passport — if your name was corrected or legally changed and a new passport issued, the iqama record must be updated.
- Nationality change — rare but possible — new passport from a new country of citizenship requires full record update.
Step-by-Step Passport Update Process
Obtain Your New Passport
Renew your passport at your country's embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia before the old one expires. Keep both old and new passport — you will need both during the update process. Check that the new passport has at least 6 months validity remaining.
Notify HR Immediately
As soon as you receive your new passport, inform HR in writing — email is best for record keeping. Provide your new passport number, issue date and expiry date. Request them to initiate the iqama update immediately. Do not wait — the 90-day window starts now.
Provide Required Documents to HR
Your HR or PRO will need: your new original passport, a copy of your current iqama, a copy of the old passport (if available), and a passport-size photograph in some cases. Provide originals where required — copies for their file.
HR Submits Update Through Absher Business or Jawazat
Your employer's PRO submits the passport update request through the Absher Business platform or visits the Jawazat (Passport Authority) office directly. The new passport number is linked to your existing iqama number in the government system.
Update Confirmed — Verify on Absher
Once the update is processed — typically within 3–7 working days — verify it yourself on the Absher app. Log in and check that your iqama now shows the new passport number. If Absher still shows the old number after 7 days, follow up with HR.
What Happens If You Do Not Update in Time?
Failing to update your passport on your iqama within 90 days of receiving the new passport can lead to:
- Fines and penalties imposed on the employer for non-compliance
- Your iqama becoming invalid for official purposes
- Inability to renew your iqama until the passport update is completed
- Problems at immigration checkpoints during travel
- Bank account freezing or inability to conduct financial transactions
Passport Update and Iqama Renewal — Timing Matters
If your passport and iqama are both due for renewal around the same time, coordinate carefully:
- Renew passport first — then update it on the iqama, then proceed with iqama renewal. Attempting iqama renewal with an expired or soon-to-expire passport creates complications.
- Start passport renewal early — embassy appointment waiting times can be long. Aim to have your new passport at least 2–3 months before your iqama renewal is due.
- Notify HR of both timelines together — present the passport renewal and iqama renewal as a combined action plan so HR can coordinate both.
Passport Update for Dependents
If your dependents renew their passports, each dependent's new passport must also be updated on their individual dependent iqama records. As the sponsor, you are responsible for initiating these updates through HR for each dependent. Do not overlook dependent passport updates — the same mismatch problems apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my iqama number change when I update my passport?
No — your iqama number remains the same throughout your employment in Saudi Arabia. Only the passport number linked to your iqama record changes. Your iqama number is your permanent Saudi residency identification number regardless of how many passports you have held.
My employer is delaying the passport update. What can I do?
Send a formal written reminder to HR referencing the 90-day update requirement and potential fines. Most HR departments respond quickly when reminded of the regulatory obligation. If still ignored after a second written request, escalate to senior management. If genuinely obstructed, file an HRSD complaint.
Can I travel while waiting for the passport update to be processed?
It is strongly advised not to travel until the update is confirmed in the Absher system. If you must travel urgently before the update is done, carry both your old and new passport and your current iqama. Explain the update-in-progress situation to immigration if questioned. But the safest approach is always to wait for the update to be confirmed on Absher before traveling.
My old passport had visas for other countries. Can I keep it?
Yes — you can and should keep your old passport even after getting a new one. Old passports with valid visas can still be used for travel to those countries alongside your new passport. Some countries accept travel with both old and new passport together. Check the specific visa rules for each country you plan to visit.
Passport Update Delayed or Creating Problems?
Employer delaying your passport update, travel problems due to mismatch or iqama renewal blocked? Book a consultation for clear guidance on resolving your specific situation quickly.