Jawazat Explains How to Update Iqama Details Through Absher
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has clarified several important services related to iqama data updates, residency rules, visit visas, and new Absher services.
Who Can Change Resident Data on Absher?
Jawazat confirmed that only the employer or an officially authorized representative can change a resident’s personal data through the Absher platform. Most Viewed: Fines for not providing health insurance to worker or his family members in Saudi Arabia
This clarification came after Jawazat responded on its official X (Twitter) account to questions from residents, including
➤ A resident inquired about how to update his marital status because his iqama indicates he is single, despite being married and living in Saudi Arabia with his family.
➤ Another resident is asking how to correct or change his English name on the iqama.
Jawazat explained that in such cases, an appointment must be booked, and the employer or authorized person must visit the Passport Department to complete the request.
What Happens to the Iqama After Final Exit?
Jawazat confirmed that the iqama card is the responsibility of the employer.
After a resident permanently leaves Saudi Arabia, the iqama must be either:
🔘 Be handed over to the Passport Department, or
🔘 Be destroyed by the employer.
This response came after a question from a citizen asking whether an iqama must be submitted if a worker exits permanently while the iqama is still valid but lost.
Visit Visa Can Be Converted to Residency for Children
The General Directorate of Passports confirmed that children holding a visit visa can convert it into a residency permit under certain conditions. Related: Children's visit visa can be converted into an Iqama
Jawazat stated via the X platform that:
👉 If both parents have valid regular residency, the visit visa can be converted into an iqama.
👉 This applies to children under 18 years of age.
Travel Rules for Citizens Under 21
Jawazat previously confirmed that citizens under the age of 21 must obtain guardian approval to travel.
However, this rule does not apply to:
■ Married males and females.
■ Scholarship students.
■ Employees traveling for official work duties.
New Absher Services Launched by Saudi Passports
Last month, Jawazat launched four new services through the Absher platform during the Seventh Absher Forum.
According to the official Jawazat account on X, the new services include
🔹 Passport services for looking after families.
🔹 Resident approval service to transfer services to a new employer.
🔹 Quarterly issuance and renewal of residency, excluding domestic workers and similar categories.
🔹 Upgraded passport issuance and renewal service for children under 15 years old. See Also: How to verify your Saudi visit visa online
Summary
Saudi Jawazat is constantly striving to improve digital services and clarify residence laws through Absher and official platforms. Anyone from citizens and residents to employers can benefit from these revisions, since they clarify iqama regulations, data updates, family residence, and the new digital services.
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| Jawazat Explains How to Update Iqama Details Through Absher |