The General Directorate of Passports issued the directive to ensure all foreign residents update their records with current passport information linked to their iqama. Residents have until the end of the three-month period to complete the transfer through official channels including the Absher platform or authorized offices. The authority stressed that timely compliance will prevent any disruption to legal residency status in the kingdom. According to a Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development overview, the update affects more than 13 million migrant workers who have navigated the shift away from the kafala sponsorship system since June 2025.
Ministry of Interior figures outline penalties for failing to update residency documents promptly under the iqama violation schedule. First offenses for related documentation lapses start at 1,000 Saudi riyals while repeated instances can reach 3,000 Saudi riyals. Employers hold responsibility for ensuring sponsored workers meet such administrative deadlines to avoid compounded fines or operational restrictions.
The General Directorate of Passports reported in late August that recent electronic authorisation changes on the Absher platform now support expanded iqama and passport transactions. These services require active accounts for both authorising and authorised parties with additional limits that restrict certain actions to Saudi citizens. The updates facilitate smoother processing for transfers of information and issuance of associated permits.
Residents can initiate the iqama transfer via the Muqeem portal after verifying their current status and preparing required documentation. The directorate advised expatriates to present valid passports alongside existing iqamas at Jawazat offices if online submission encounters issues. Designated centers across major cities offer in-person support to handle high volumes of requests within the allotted window.
Official Ministry of Interior tallies show millions of residency transactions processed annually through digital platforms as the kingdom refines its expatriate management systems. The current three-month deadline aligns with earlier adjustments that introduced flexible renewal periods for certain worker categories including domestic staff. Compliance ensures continued access to work permits, exit visas and other essential services tied to accurate record linkage.
