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what is difference between Iqama and visa
Iqama and visa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia both Iqama and Visa are terms related to the legal status of foreign residents but they serve different purposes.
Visa
Visa is an official document issued by the Saudi Arabian government that allows a foreigner to enter the country for a specific period and purpose. It is essentially permission to enter Saudi Arabia.
Visas come in various types including visit visas work visas business visas etc. Each type has its own conditions and restrictions. Manpower
The duration and conditions of stay are usually specified on the visa and it is important for the visa holder to adhere to these conditions.
visas can indeed be issued to companies and establishments. This process is typically part of the sponsorship system where a Saudi-based company or establishment sponsors the entry of foreign individuals into the country for various purposes such as work business or other activities.
Here’s a breakdown of how this process generally works
Work Visa for Employees
A Saudi company or establishment may apply for work visas on behalf of foreign employees they wish to hire. These visas are typically issued for individuals who will be working for the sponsoring company.
In all these cases the sponsoring company or establishment takes on the responsibility of obtaining the necessary visas for the individuals associated with their business activities. The company acts as the legal sponsor for these individuals during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
It’s important to note that the specific types of visas application processes and requirements may vary based on the nature of the visit or employment.
Companies and establishments must comply with the regulations set by the Saudi authorities when applying for and managing visas for their sponsored individuals.
Iqama Residency Permit
Iqama also known as a residency permit is a crucial document for expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia. Once a person enters the country on a visa they need to obtain an Iqama to stay for a longer period.
The Iqama serves as an identification card for expatriates and includes important information such as the individual’s name nationality profession sponsor details and the validity period of the Iqama.
It is mandatory for expatriates to carry their Iqama at all times and present it when required by authorities. Ministry of interior Kingdom Saudi Arabia
In summary a visa is the initial permission to enter Saudi Arabia while an Iqama is a residency permit that allows a person to stay in the country for an extended period. Expatriates typically enter the country on a visa and then obtain an Iqama to legally reside and work in Saudi Arabia.
It’s important to note that both the visa and Iqama have specific rules and regulations associated with them and individuals are required to comply with these regulations to avoid legal issues.
The responsibility for issuing an Iqama residency permit lies with the Saudi government and is typically facilitated through the sponsorship of an individual by a Saudi employer or a sponsoring entity. Here’s a breakdown of the responsibilities associated with the issuance of Iqama
Sponsorship
Foreign individuals seeking employment or residency in Saudi Arabia need a sponsor. The sponsor is typically a Saudi employer or a company that is legally authorized to sponsor foreign workers.
The sponsor initiates the process of obtaining an Iqama for the individual and is responsible for submitting the required documents to the Saudi authorities.
Employer’s Role
Employers play a crucial role in the Iqama issuance process for expatriate employees. They are responsible for applying for the Iqama on behalf of their foreign employees.
Employers must ensure that all required documentation including employment contracts medical examinations and other relevant paperwork is submitted accurately and in compliance with Saudi regulations.
Government Processing
The Saudi government specifically the Ministry of Interior and its General Directorate of Passports oversees the processing of Iqamas.
Once the sponsor submits the necessary documents the government reviews the application conducts necessary checks and issues the Iqama if all requirements are met.
Iqama Renewal
Iqamas are typically issued for a specific duration and it is the responsibility of the sponsor employer or sponsoring entity to ensure timely renewal before the expiry date.
Renewal involves submitting updated documents and information to the relevant authorities.
Individual Compliance
While the issuance of the Iqama is the responsibility of the sponsor and the government individuals are also responsible for complying with the rules and regulations associated with their residency status.
This includes adhering to the terms of their employment updating personal information and renewing the Iqama on time.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Iqama and Visa is extremely important for anyone planning to enter or live in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Although both documents are interlinked the difference between them represents two different phases of the emigration process. Visa is a document that allows foreigner to enter the Kingdom Saudi Arabia for special purposes and also for limited duration while the Iqama is residency permit issued by the Kingdom after the arrival that allows long term stay and legal employment. This difference between Iqama and Visa is beneficial for sustaining legal status inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Visa is always an initial step. It gives temporary permission to enter the Kingdom Saudi Arabia but it does not allow either long term residence or any professional activities. Here is the difference between visa and Iqama becomes very clear. Visa is only for entry. It is not for living or working in the kingdom.
Iqama is the main document for expatriates. It value is as a legal proof of residency in the Kingdom and enables access to essential services in he Kingdom such as employment banking healthcare housing and travel within the Kingdom. So the difference between Iqama and Visa is also seen in their duration. Visas are short term entry permits while Iqamas are renewable residency permits in the Kingdom.
Both of these documents have specific rules and responsibilities and understanding the difference between their requirements helps individuals stay compliant with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s rules and regulations. In the simple terms difference between Iqama and Visa is that the visa brings you into the Kingdom Saudi Arabia while Iqama allows you to remain work and live in the Kingdom legally.
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