Iqama

An Iqama is the residence permit issued to foreign workers in Saudi Arabia. It is sponsored by a specific employer and governs your legal right to live and work in the Kingdom.

Iqama "transferability" — whether you can move to a new employer — is one of the most consequential terms of working in Saudi Arabia. Recent labour reforms (from 2021, administered via the Qiwa platform) have expanded a worker’s ability to change employers in defined circumstances.