My Life in Saudi

The General Directorate of Passports ( Jawazat ) in Saudi Arabia has officially increased the Iqama renewal fees for expatriates in 2025. This update directly impacts millions of expat workers and their families living in the Kingdom. 📢 What’s New in the Iqama Renewal Fee? Effective immediately, the annual Iqama renewal fee has gone up due to adjustments in government charges. The revised fees vary based on the number of expats in a company and whether it meets Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements. 🔸 Updated Iqama Fees for 2025 Small Businesses (1–5 employees): SAR 7,200 – SAR 9,600 Medium to Large Companies: SAR 9,600 – SAR 11,400 per expat Dependents Fee: Remains SAR 400/month per dependent (SAR 4,800/year) ⚙️ Why Has the Fee Increased? The increase aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals to promote local employment through Saudization. Higher fees are meant to encourage companies to hire more Saudi nationals rather than rel...

If you're an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia, it's important to know the details of your employment contract. The Qiwa platform now allows employees to view, verify, and download their job contracts online — making the process transparent and simple. 📌 What is Qiwa? Qiwa is a digital platform launched by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) to unify employee and employer services, including employment contracts, job offers, and labor transfers. ✅ Why Should You Check Your Qiwa Contract? To ensure your job title, salary, and terms match what you were promised. To make sure the contract is uploaded and approved by the employer. To have legal documentation in case of disputes. 🔍 How to Check Your Contract in Qiwa Visit the official Qiwa site: qiwa.sa Log in using your Absher credentials (national/Iqama ID + password + OTP). Once logged in, go to “Employee Services” . ...

In the past, foreign workers in Saudi Arabia were heavily dependent on their Kafeel (sponsor) to switch jobs. However, thanks to the Ministry of Human Resources' reforms, expats can now transfer jobs without the need for their sponsor’s approval — under specific conditions. 🔄 What Is Job Transfer Without Kafeel? This new policy is part of the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) , which enhances worker mobility and provides greater flexibility in the Saudi job market. It applies to private-sector expatriates under the labor law. ✅ Conditions to Change Job Without Kafeel's Approval You can switch employers without your current sponsor’s consent if the following conditions are met: Completion of the current employment contract. Working with the current employer for at least one year (if the contract is not fixed-term). Having a valid Iqama (residency permit). No active violations or complaints pending in the Qiwa platform . ...

Saudi Arabia has introduced several significant changes to its Labor Law , aiming to create a more balanced and transparent work environment for both Saudi citizens and expatriate workers. 🔄 Why Were These Amendments Introduced? The amendments support the Vision 2030 initiative by improving the local labor market, increasing job mobility for expats, and encouraging fair treatment in the workplace. 📋 Key Amendments to Know Probation Period: The probation period can now be extended up to 180 days with mutual agreement. This gives both employers and employees more time to evaluate job compatibility. Fixed-Term Contracts: Contracts will now automatically convert to indefinite terms if renewed three times consecutively or if the total period exceeds four years. Job Mobility: Expats can now change jobs without their employer's consent under specific conditions, such as contract completion or non-payment of salary. Notice Period: For...

For every expatriate living in Saudi Arabia, the Iqama is your most important legal document. It serves as your residency permit , and staying updated on its issuance date and expiration is crucial to avoid fines, penalties, or legal trouble. In this post, we’ll walk you through the easiest and fastest ways to check your Iqama issuance and expiry dates online — even if you don't have an Absher account. 📌 Why It’s Important to Check Your Iqama Validity ✅ Avoid overstay fines or legal issues ✅ Know when to renew in advance ✅ Confirm that your employer has renewed it on time ✅ Ensure your Iqama number is active in government systems 🔍 How to Check Iqama Issuance & Expiry Without Absher 🧾 Method 1: MOL Portal (Using Iqama Number) Go to the Ministry of Labor website: mol.gov.sa Choose “English” at the top if needed Enter your: Iqama Number Date of Birth Captcha Code Click on "Submit" 📢 Resu...

The Iqama is your official residence permit in Saudi Arabia, and keeping it valid is essential to avoid legal troubles, fines, or deportation. Fortunately, renewing your Iqama is straightforward if you follow the right steps. This guide explains how expats can easily renew their Iqama, what documents are required, and the role your employer plays in the process. Who is Responsible for Renewing the Iqama? Iqama renewal is the responsibility of the sponsor (kafeel) or your employer. They must complete the process before your Iqama expires. However, you should stay informed and ensure your company does it on time to avoid penalties. When Should the Iqama Be Renewed? Your Iqama must be renewed before its expiration date . It’s recommended to begin the process at least two weeks in advance . You can check your Iqama expiry date through the Absher portal . Requirements for Iqama Renewal Valid passport Iqama (current one) Payment of Iqam...

How to Replace Your Foreign Driving License in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide) Meta Description: Need to swap your foreign driving license for a Saudi one? Learn the step-by-step process, required documents, fees, appointment booking, and where to go. Labels: Driving in Saudi Arabia, Expat Driving License, Absher, License Conversion, Saudi Traffic Rules Introduction If you’ve moved to Saudi Arabia from abroad and hold a valid foreign driving license, you can replace it with a Saudi one—no need to retake driving exams if your country is approved. Here's how to navigate the process smoothly in 2025. 📄 Documents You’ll Need Original foreign license + Arabic translation Four passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) Iqama (residency permit) copy + sponsor letter Copy of passport Completed official form (available at Moroor or online) Payment receipt (200 SAR for 5 years, or 400 SAR for 10 years) Medical check report (eye + blood test) The medical test must be done at...