Kafala System and Iqamah in Saudi Arabia Explained

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Kafala System in Saudi Arabia

If you ever plan to come to work in Saudi Arabia, it is very important that you understand the Kafala System, or sponsorship system, in Saudi Arabia.

1. Kafala or Kafeel system is a system followed in Saudi Arabia for regulating employment of expatriate workers.
2. Any expatriate worker entering the Kingdom requires sponsorship of a sponsor
   (known as Kafeel or foreign employer), who may be a Saudi citizen or a company, and shall remain under the sponsor’s responsibility during the term of the employment contract.
3. No expatriate worker can leave the country, without the consent of the sponsor.
4. The Foreign Employer, known as sponsor or kafeel, under whose sponsorship a worker is recruited to Saudi Arabia, could be a Saudi national or a company. It is very important that you verify the credentials of the employer from a known contact (Maybe relatives or friends), or Indian Embassy/Consulate in Saudi Arabia to avoid unnecessary troubles later on.
5. Also make sure that your foreign employers are not barred from recruiting from India for violation of the provisions of Emigration Act. Check Foreign employers on the Prior Approval Category (PAC) List by clicking here .

Although this is a good system to regulate the employment of expatriates in Saudi Arabia, some abusive employers exploit the kafala system and force domestic workers to continue working against their will and forbid them from returning to their countries of origin.

Iqama in Saudi Arabia

An iqama is a residence permit, just like Aadhar Card in India, Emirates ID in UAE.

Iqama refers to the residence permit of any foreigner living and working in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These workers are commonly known as expatriates and their Iqamas are sponsored by the companies that employ them in Saudi Arabia. 

The local employer applies and secures the work permit and iqama so that the employee can legally work and live in the KSA. The employer is considered the local sponsor.

An iqama is issued to expatriates who arrive in KSA with an employment visa. The term of employment is limited to the amount of time listed on the work permit. This is currently set at one year for work at private companies, but there is an option to renew the permit after one year.

Keeping in mind the strict rules and regulations of the Saudi government, you must always comply with the conditions stated on your Iqama card. This includes details such as the duration period which lasts for a year in private companies and varies for the government sector. Once your Iqama has expired, you need to request its renewal if your job demands you to stay in Saudi Arabia for a longer time. 

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