Living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate comes with specific legal responsibilities, one of the most important being the maintenance of your Iqama (residency permit). If you’re an expatriate or foreign worker in the Kingdom, knowing your Iqama color status is crucial. The Iqama colour status falls under the Nitaqat system, which classifies companies based on their employment of Saudi nationals. In this blog, we’ll explain the Nitaqat colour system, why checking your Iqama colour status matters, and provide a simple step-by-step guide on how to check it.
1. What is the Iqama Color Status?
Before diving into how to check your Iqama colour status, it’s important to understand what the status represents. Your Iqama is your official residency permit in Saudi Arabia. It contains key information about your work status and legal residency in the country.
The Nitaqat System
The Iqama colour status is tied to the Nitaqat system, a labour reform initiative launched by the Saudi government. The Nitaqat system was designed to encourage the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector by categorizing companies based on their Saudization levels. Companies are divided into different colour categories: Red, Green, and Platinum. These colours represent how well a company complies with Saudization requirements (the percentage of Saudi nationals employed compared to foreign workers).
- Platinum Category: The highest category for companies with excellent Saudization rates. Companies in this category enjoy several advantages, such as easy access to services and faster processing of work visas.
- Green Category: Companies that meet the Saudization requirements fall into the Green category. They are compliant and benefit from a stable business environment, though with fewer benefits than Platinum companies.
- Red Category: Companies in the Red category have a low level of Saudization. These companies may face restrictions, including limitations on renewing foreign workers’ Iqamas, hiring new employees, and renewing commercial licenses.
Why Your Employer’s Category Matters
Your employer’s Nitaqat category directly affects your Iqama colour status. If your company is in the Green or Platinum category, you are more likely to experience job security, easier work permit renewals, and fewer bureaucratic issues. However, if your employer falls into the Red category, you may face challenges with renewing your Iqama, changing jobs, or sponsoring family members for visas.
2. Why Checking Your Iqama Color Status is Important
Your Iqama colour status is a reflection of your employer’s Nitaqat standing, and this has a significant impact on your legal status and work stability in Saudi Arabia. Below are some key reasons why regularly checking your Iqama colour status is crucial:
1. Job Security
If your employer is in the Red category, you might be at risk of losing your job. Companies in the Red category face restrictions on hiring new employees and renewing existing work permits. If your employer cannot renew your Iqama, you may need to find another job quickly.
2. Iqama Renewal
Your ability to renew your Iqama depends on your employer’s Nitaqat category. If your company is in the Green or Platinum category, renewing your Iqama is usually a straightforward process. However, if your employer is in the Red category, renewing your Iqama can become difficult, putting your residency at risk.
3. Switching Jobs
If you want to change jobs within Saudi Arabia, your current employer’s Nitaqat category matters. Employees working for companies in the Red category may face challenges when switching to a new employer. Conversely, those in Green or Platinum companies can transition more easily.
4. Family Sponsorship
If your Iqama colour status is linked to an employer in the Green or Platinum category, you are more likely to have an easier time sponsoring family members for residency visas. If your employer is in the Red category, it can complicate the process.
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Your Iqama Color Status
Now that you understand the importance of your Iqama colour status, let’s go through a simple step-by-step guide on how to check it using the Ministry of Labor (MOL) website. Please note that the MOL website is primarily in Arabic, so you may need to use a browser translation tool if you don’t speak the language.
Step 1: Visit the MOL Website
- To begin, visit the official Ministry of Labor (MOL) website: MOL Inquiry Page.
Step 2: Navigate to the Nitaqat Inquiry Page
- On the MOL homepage, find the section for checking your Iqama colour status. It’s usually listed under Nitaqat services or employee services.
Step 3: Enter Your Iqama Number
- On the inquiry page, you will see a field where you need to enter your Iqama number. This number is located on your Iqama card and serves as your residency permit identification number.
Step 4: Input the Image Verification Code
- You will be prompted to enter a code displayed on the screen for security verification purposes. Input the code into the appropriate field to proceed.
Step 5: Submit and View Your Iqama Status
- Once you’ve entered your Iqama number and the verification code, click on the green button to submit the form. You will then be taken to a results page that displays your Iqama color status along with other relevant information such as your company’s legal status, work permit number, and work status.
Step 6: Review Your Iqama Color
- On the results page, you will be able to see your employer’s Nitaqat colour (Red, Green, or Platinum) and other details about your employment status. This color will give you an indication of your job security and the ease of renewing your Iqama.
4. Tips for Checking Iqama Color Status
While the process is straightforward, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when checking your Iqama colour status:
- Use Translation Tools: Since the MOL website is in Arabic, use your browser’s translation function (such as Google Translate) if you need the content translated into English or another language.
- Check Regularly: Even if your Iqama colour status is favourable now, it’s a good idea to check it regularly, as your employer’s Nitaqat category may change.
- Double-check Your Information: Ensure that you enter your Iqama number correctly. Any mistakes can result in an error or failure to retrieve your status.
5. What to Do If Your Iqama Status is Red
If your Iqama colour status is linked to a Red category employer, here are some steps you can take:
- Seek a New Employer: If your employer is unable to comply with Saudization requirements, it may be best to start looking for a job with a company in the Green or Platinum categories.
- Consult with HR: Speak with your company’s HR department to understand the reasons behind the Red category status and whether the company has a plan to improve its compliance.
- Plan Ahead: If you cannot renew your Iqama due to your employer’s Nitaqat status, you may need to find another employer or make arrangements to leave the country.
Conclusion
Understanding and regularly checking your Iqama colour status is an essential aspect of living and working in Saudi Arabia. It not only affects your legal residency status but also impacts your job security and future career opportunities. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily check your Iqama status on the MOL website. Remember to stay informed, as being proactive about your Iqama status can help you navigate the Saudi employment landscape more effectively.
