How to Renew Your Saudi Arabia Work Visa_ A Complete Guide

1. How to Renew Your Saudi Arabia Work Visa: A Complete Guide If you are an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia, it’s crucial to keep your work visa and iqama (residency permit) updated. Without a valid work visa and iqama, you may face legal issues, fines, and even deportation. Renewing your work visa is a straightforward process, but it is important to follow the correct procedures to avoid any complications. This guide will walk you through the steps to renew your Saudi Arabia work visa and Iqama. What is a Work Visa and Iqama? Before diving into the renewal process, let’s first clarify what a work visa and iqama are: ● Work Visa: This is the official document that permits foreign workers to enter Saudi Arabia for employment. It is typically valid for a period of one to two years. ● Iqama (Residency Permit): The iqama is a personal identification card issued to expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia. It serves as both a work permit and a residency card. Iqamas are generally valid for one to two years and need to be renewed before expiration. Renewing both your work visa and iqama is essential for maintaining legal status in the country. Steps to Renew Your Saudi Arabia Work Visa

2. 1. Ensure Eligibility for Renewal Not everyone is automatically eligible for work visa renewal. Make sure you meet the following requirements: ● Valid Iqama: Your iqama must be up to date for you to apply for a visa renewal. ● No Violations: Ensure you have not committed any violations that may prevent the renewal of your visa. This includes unpaid fines or pending legal cases. ● Employer's Approval: The renewal process is often initiated by your employer, and your employer must provide the necessary documents for your work visa renewal. Make sure your employer is willing to support the renewal process. 2. Gather Required Documents You will need a few essential documents for the renewal process. These include: ● Valid Iqama: A copy of your current iqama, which is valid for at least six months. ● Passport Copy: A copy of your passport with a validity of at least six months. ● Medical Checkup: A recent medical report from an approved clinic, confirming you are fit to work. ● Employer Documents: Your employer should provide you with specific documents, including an updated work contract and proof of employment. ● Payment of Fees: You must ensure that all relevant government fees, including fines (if any), are paid. These can include health insurance, residency fees, and visa-related charges. 3. Medical Checkup Before renewing your work visa, you will need to undergo a medical checkup at one of the approved medical centers in Saudi Arabia. This process typically involves: ● Blood Tests: To check for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis. ● X-ray: To screen for chest-related diseases, particularly tuberculosis. ● Physical Examination: To assess overall health and ensure you meet the work requirements. Once you pass the medical checkup, you will receive a report, which is an essential part of your visa renewal application. 4. Submit the Application for Visa Renewal The actual visa renewal process is usually managed by your employer or the company’s HR department. However, in some cases, you may be required to apply yourself through the Absher portal, which is the official Saudi government portal for various services. ● Absher Portal: This is the primary online platform for managing government services in Saudi Arabia. It allows you to check the status of your iqama, renew it, and even pay the necessary fees.

3. ○ If you are an expatriate employee, your employer should initiate the request on the Absher platform. ○ For self-sponsored individuals, you can submit the request on the platform once all necessary documents have been collected. You will need to provide all the necessary documents, including your iqama, passport, and medical report, on the portal. After the application is submitted, the system will process the request. If you're seeking assistance with the visa renewal process or looking to apply for a job in Saudi Arabia, you can consider reaching out to a recruitment agency in Pakistan for Saudi Arabia. These agencies can guide you through the process, ensure all documentation is correct, and help with job placement in various sectors across the Kingdom. 5. Pay the Renewal Fees There are several fees associated with renewing your work visa and iqama: ● Visa Fee: The renewal fee for a work visa varies based on the type of job and the duration of the visa. ● Iqama Renewal Fee: The iqama renewal fee can vary depending on the type of residency and the number of dependents accompanying you. ● Other Miscellaneous Fees: These include payment for health insurance, government services, and fines if applicable. Ensure that all fees are paid on time, as payment delays can result in penalties or delays in processing the visa renewal. 6. Wait for Approval Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the fees, your employer will receive confirmation of your work visa renewal. This typically takes a few business days, but delays can occur depending on the volume of applications. If everything is in order, the renewal will be approved, and your employer will receive a notification via the Absher portal. 7. Receive Your New Iqama Once your work visa renewal is approved, your new iqama will be issued. It is important to carry your new iqama at all times as it serves as proof of your legal status in the country. Your employer will generally collect the new iqama on your behalf, but if you are self-sponsored, you may be asked to pick it up from the relevant authorities. Additional Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process ● Start Early: Begin the renewal process at least 60 days before your visa or iqama expires. This gives you enough time to fix any issues or delays that may arise.

4. ● Ensure Compliance: Always make sure you comply with Saudi laws regarding residency and employment. Violating immigration laws can result in hefty fines or even deportation. ● Keep Track of Expiry Dates: Set reminders to track the expiration date of your work visa and Iqama. Many people forget to renew them on time, leading to unnecessary complications. ● Check Your Employer’s Commitment: If you are reliant on your employer for the renewal process, confirm their commitment well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Conclusion Renewing your work visa and iqama in Saudi Arabia is a relatively simple process when you follow the correct steps and gather all the necessary documents. By staying on top of expiration dates, ensuring medical compliance, and maintaining a good relationship with your employer, you can avoid any disruptions to your work and stay in Saudi Arabia legally. Always remember that timely renewal is essential for continuing your stay in the Kingdom without any complications.