Job Discussion Forums

Cletus · Joined: 30 Apr 2014 Posts: 48 Location: Qassim

My company is asking for my iqama so they can renew it. The expiration date is October 28th. My question is this, will this cancel my visa that I have for September's holidays? My iqama is linked to my visa and I am concerned. When I asked our HR department they said it shouldn't.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

No, renewal won't impact the validity of your visa.

Cletus · Joined: 30 Apr 2014 Posts: 48 Location: Qassim

Thank you.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Are you sure ? I would double-check. Get someone with "wasta" to ask their uncle at the "Jawazat"

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

There won't be a break in the OP's residency status. However, the OP could certainly request the employer hold off on renewal until he/she returns, although that would be cutting it close to the expiration date.

I-forgot · Joined: 28 Jun 2015 Posts: 153 Location: Riyadh

Wait until you return from the break for them to renew your Iqama.

Your instinct is right, if the iqama is issued before the break (unlikely but possible) your visa may be cancelled or in some way flagged at the airport.

Avoid unnecessary stress. Don't take a chance on being stranded for Haj. Hold off until you return. There will still be plenty of time to renew it then.

(I think my iqama expires on 1 November).

Cletus · Joined: 30 Apr 2014 Posts: 48 Location: Qassim

I hope I can wait until I get back. My employer often demands and not ask.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

In my time there getting a new Iqama cancelled any Exit Visa in the old igama. That may have changed but I think not.

The rules of the Jawazat are like unto the laws of the Medes and the Persians : they altereth not.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

I-forgot · Joined: 28 Jun 2015 Posts: 153 Location: Riyadh

Things change all the time, including the date for the roll out of the new iqama/residency card.

However, further to Scot47's post and a chat with a friend with experience in these matters, yes, a new iqama or a new passport will automatically cancel or invalidate any previously obtained exit visas.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"A prophet is a man without honour in his own land."

Did scot47 not warn the Ungodly that the Jawazat is "like unto the lawgivers midst the Medes and the Persians" ?

He will now return to the study of the Book.

arabiamark · Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Sand Station Zebra

It's iqama renewal time but I have an exit/re-entry visa that is good until the end of November. My company assures me that renewing the iqama won't cancel the visa. So I will trust them and go through with it. I'll find out soon if they're right, since my flight for the eid break is at the end of next week.

dominogeronimo · Joined: 09 May 2013 Posts: 18 Location: KSA

Your visa WILL be canceled when your employer puts your Iqama in for renewal. Your employer will apply for a new visa for you at the same time. Whatever the system was in the past, this is how it is now - of this I am certain. You can take your chances, but you'll be stuck in Saudi on break and out the money and fun. Your gamble.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I look forward to reading your comments later this year. Will they let you out on that old visa ?

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930