Iqama status check Saudi Arabia 2026: 3 ways, renewal SAR 675

The official iqama status check in Saudi Arabia for 2026 is done through the Absher platform (absher.sa) or its mobile app. You can verify validity, expiry date, and status (active, expired, cancelled) by logging into your Absher account, or use the 'Public Query Resident ID Expiry' service without an account to see the expiry date only. A green status means your iqama is valid; red means it's expired, pending renewal, or has a violation.

How to do an iqama status check on Absher (logged in)

The primary official channel for checking Iqama status in 2026 is the Absher platform (absher.sa), run by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). The legacy MOI standalone web form has been fully deprecated and now redirects to Absher. Here's the step-by-step login method:

1. Go to absher.sa and select English from the top menu.
2. Click Login and enter your National ID (for Saudis) or Iqama number (for expats).
3. You'll receive a one-time password (OTP) via SMS to your registered mobile number.
4. Enter the OTP to access your dashboard.
5. Navigate to My Services → Inquiries → Iqama Status (or similar path depending on layout updates).

The dashboard displays your full status: Active (green), Expired (red), Cancelled, or Under Suspension. It also shows the expiry date, any traffic violations, and biometric enrollment status. If you don't have an Absher account yet, you must register first — either via the website, the app, or at a self-service kiosk (available at major malls, airports, and MOI offices).

Can I check my Saudi iqama validity without an Absher account?

Yes. The Public Query Resident ID Expiry service on the Absher website lets anyone check the expiry date using only the Iqama number and a CAPTCHA — no login, no OTP. This is the most searched but least understood method. It provides limited data: only the expiry date (Hijri and Gregorian). It does not show whether the Iqama is active, cancelled, or has violations.

Step-by-step: Public Query (no login)

1. Visit absher.sa.
2. Click e-Services (or "Individuals" → "Public Services").
3. Select Public Query → Resident ID Expiry.
4. Enter your Iqama number (10 digits).
5. Complete the CAPTCHA verification.
6. Click View. The expiry date appears instantly.

Use this when you're on a shared device, your Absher account is locked, or you just need a quick expiry check. For full status, you still need to log in.

What does a red iqama status on Absher mean?

The Red vs Green indicator is the standard visual cue on the Absher dashboard:

• Green = Valid, active Iqama. Your residency is current, and no immediate action is needed.
• Red = Expired, pending renewal, or a block/violation requiring attention.

If your status shows red, click into the details. It may read:

• Expired — the Iqama date has passed. Renew immediately via Absher or Qiwa.
• Cancelled — your employer has terminated the work permit via the Qiwa platform.
• Under Process — a renewal or transfer is in progress.
• Violation/Block — unpaid traffic fines, missing biometrics, or a labor dispute.

Immediate action: If expired, renew through Absher (individual) or ask your employer to renew via Qiwa. Late renewal incurs a penalty of SAR 100 per day after the expiry date. The standard 2026 renewal fee for private-sector employees remains SAR 675 (SAR 600 fee + SAR 75 service charge), payable via Absher, Qiwa, or SADAD.

How to check Saudi iqama status by passport number?

The public Absher interface does not support lookup by passport number. You must use your Iqama number (10-digit Resident ID) or National ID (for citizens). If you've lost your Iqama card and don't know the number:

• Check any previous Absher SMS or email — the number is often quoted.
• Ask your employer or sponsor — they have it in their Qiwa records.
• Visit a Saudi Post (SAB) office or MOI customer service center with your passport; they can look it up.

Employers, however, can verify employee status via the Qiwa platform using passport details. If you're an employee trying to self-verify, always use the Iqama number.

Is the Ministry of Labor website still working for iqama checks in 2026?

The standalone MOI/MOL public web form for Iqama status is deprecated. As of 2026, all public-facing residency checks are consolidated into Absher. However, the Moyasar portal (moyasar.mol.gov.sa), operated by the Ministry of Labor (MOL), remains the official channel for labor-related queries:

• Contract disputes
• Sponsorship (Kafala) status
• Work permit validity
• End-of-service calculations

Moyasar requires your Iqama number and sometimes your Border Number (for new arrivals). It's the go-to fallback if Absher is down or if you need documentation for a labor complaint. The Qiwa platform (qiwa.sa) is the primary employer-side tool — your HR uses it to issue, renew, or cancel Iqamas.

How to check Saudi iqama expiry date using the Absher app?

The Absher Mobile App (iOS App Store / Google Play) is the most reliable method for real-time checks in 2026. After logging in with your Absher credentials:

• The home dashboard shows your Iqama expiry date and remaining days.
• Push notifications alert you at 30, 15, and 7 days before expiry.
• A QR code is available for digital verification at government offices, airports, and some private venues.
• You can renew directly in the app via SADAD or Apple Pay / STC Pay.

Enable notifications in Settings → Notifications → Iqama Expiry Reminders. The app also integrates with Tawakkalna for combined health and residency status display — a 2025-2026 rollout that lets you show both vaccination records and Iqama validity in one screen.

What to do if Absher is not working for iqama status check?

Technical outages happen. Here's your fallback chain:

1. Try the Public Query (no login) at absher.sa → e-Services → Public Query → Resident ID Expiry. It often works when the logged-in portal is slow.
2. Use Moyasar portal (moyasar.mol.gov.sa) for labor-contract status.
3. Ask your employer to check via their Qiwa dashboard — they see real-time employee status.
4. Check Absher's official Twitter/X (@Absher) for outage announcements.
5. Visit a Saudi Post (SAB) office or MOI customer service center for a manual printout.

If your Iqama is near expiry and Absher is down for days, keep screenshots of any error messages and visit a service center before the late-fee clock starts (SAR 100/day).

How to verify if my iqama is active or cancelled by my employer?

Log into Absher. The status line will read:

• Active (green) — your work permit is valid.
• Cancelled (red) — your employer has terminated the contract via Qiwa. The cancellation is immediate on Absher, even if the physical card's printed date hasn't passed.

If cancelled, check the End of Contract date on Absher (under "Contract Details") or ask your employer for the Qiwa termination reference. If you believe the cancellation was unlawful or without notice:

1. File a complaint via Moyasar → "Labor Disputes".
2. Visit a Ministry of Labor office with your passport and any contract copy.
3. You have a limited window (typically 60 days) to transfer sponsorship or exit.

Renewal fee reminder: SAR 675 (SAR 600 + SAR 75) in 2026 for private-sector employees. Domestic workers and some categories differ — confirm via Qiwa or your employer.

iqama status check methods compared

Bottom line: For personal, full-status checks, use the Absher app or logged-in web portal. For a quick expiry lookup without login, use Public Query. For labor disputes or if Absher is down, use Moyasar. Employers verify via Qiwa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check iqama status with passport number?

No. The public Absher interface requires your Iqama number (Resident ID) or National ID. Employers can use passport details on the Qiwa platform. If you don't know your Iqama number, contact your employer or visit a Saudi Post office.

What does red iqama mean?

Red means your Iqama is expired, cancelled, or has a violation/block. Green means active and valid. Click the status on Absher for the exact reason (e.g., "Expired", "Cancelled", "Under Process").

Is MOI website still working?

No. The legacy MOI standalone Iqama check web form has been deprecated since 2025 and redirects to Absher. All public residency services are now in the Absher ecosystem.

How much is iqama renewal fee?

As of 2026, the standard private-sector renewal fee is SAR 675 (SAR 600 fee + SAR 75 service charge). Late fees accrue at SAR 100 per day after expiry. Domestic workers and government-sector employees may have different fees — confirm via Qiwa or your HR.

Can I check without Absher account?

Yes. Use the "Public Query Resident ID Expiry" service on absher.sa. It requires only your Iqama number and a CAPTCHA. It shows the expiry date only — not full status, violations, or biometric info.

Does Tawakkalna show iqama status?

Yes, as of 2025-2026, Tawakkalna integrates with Absher to display your residency status alongside health records. It's a convenient secondary view but Absher remains the authoritative source for transactions.

What if my employer cancelled my iqama without telling me?

Check Absher — it will show "Cancelled" in red. Immediately file a labor dispute via Moyasar or visit a Ministry of Labor office. You typically have 60 days to transfer sponsorship or arrange exit. Keep screenshots as evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Absher is the single official source for Iqama status in 2026 — the old MOI form is gone.
• Green = good, Red = act now. Red means expired, cancelled, or blocked; check details immediately.
• No account? Use Public Query. It gives the expiry date only, but works without login.
• Employer-side truth lives in Qiwa. If Absher shows "Cancelled," your HR terminated the permit via Qiwa.
• Fallback chain: Absher App → Absher Web → Public Query → Moyasar → Employer/Qiwa → Saudi Post office.

Related: QID renewal status: 2 free ways to check online in Qatar (2026)

Frequently asked questions

Can I check iqama status with passport number?

No. The public Absher interface requires your Iqama number (Resident ID) or National ID. Employers can use passport details on the Qiwa platform. If you don't know your Iqama number, contact your employer or visit a Saudi Post office.

What does red iqama mean?

Red means your Iqama is expired, cancelled, or has a violation/block. Green means active and valid. Click the status on Absher for the exact reason (e.g., "Expired", "Cancelled", "Under Process").

Is MOI website still working?

No. The legacy MOI standalone Iqama check web form has been deprecated since 2025 and redirects to Absher. All public residency services are now in the Absher ecosystem.

How much is iqama renewal fee?

As of 2026, the standard private-sector renewal fee is <strong>SAR 675</strong> (SAR 600 fee + SAR 75 service charge). Late fees accrue at SAR 100 per day after expiry. Domestic workers and government-sector employees may have different fees — confirm via Qiwa or your HR.

Can I check without Absher account?

Yes. Use the "Public Query Resident ID Expiry" service on absher.sa. It requires only your Iqama number and a CAPTCHA. It shows the expiry date only — not full status, violations, or biometric info.

Does Tawakkalna show iqama status?

Yes, as of 2025-2026, Tawakkalna integrates with Absher to display your residency status alongside health records. It's a convenient secondary view but Absher remains the authoritative source for transactions.

What if my employer cancelled my iqama without telling me?

Check Absher — it will show "Cancelled" in red. Immediately file a labor dispute via Moyasar or visit a Ministry of Labor office. You typically have 60 days to transfer sponsorship or arrange exit. Keep screenshots as evidence.

Photos: B.alotaby / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Thesadcactus / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0