Starting October 14, 2015, a new Resident Identity Card will replace the existing card, also known as Iqama, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Interior. The new card, called Muqeem, will provide work and residency authorization and is expected to be valid for five years (instead of the Iqama’s one-year validity), renewable electronically every year.
Personal data recorded on the card will include the applicant’s photograph, name, nationality, religion, occupation, work permit number and employer’s name (if applicable).
Additionally, effective immediately, company representatives no longer have to collect Iqamas in person, as original cards are now sent to a company’s PO Box. New Resident Identity Cards will be delivered to residents in the same way.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals should benefit from the longer validity period of the Muqeem. There are no other practical differences between the two cards at this time.
Company representatives no longer have to visit the Immigration Office to obtain and renew residency permits.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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