Losing your Iqama (Saudi residence permit) can create problems when accessing government services, completing official transactions, or proving your residency status in Saudi Arabia. If your Iqama is lost or stolen, you should report it to the relevant authorities as soon as possible and follow the required procedures to obtain a replacement.
Saudi Arabia has introduced digital services to make lost Iqama reporting easier. Depending on your residency and employment situation, the process may involve Absher, Muqeem, or the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). This guide explains how to report a lost Iqama, understand the applicable penalty, and arrange a replacement. You can also explore our Saudi Arabia Information and Online Tools for useful resources related to living and working in the Kingdom.
What Should You Do If Your Iqama Is Lost?
If you cannot find your Iqama, first check whether it has been misplaced or stolen. If you believe someone has stolen it, inform the police as well as the relevant passport authorities.
You should not delay reporting the loss. Saudi regulations require residents to report a lost Iqama within 24 hours. Completing a Lost Iqama Report in Absher or through the appropriate authorized channel on time can help you avoid a financial penalty.
Before starting the process, keep your Iqama number, passport details, and other relevant residency information available. These details will help you complete the reporting procedure accurately.
How to Report Lost Iqama in Absher
Absher provides electronic services for residents and their family members. However, the exact reporting option available can depend on the type of Iqama and the applicant's situation.
Follow these general steps to check the available services:
Visit the official Absher website.
Log in using your Absher account.
Open the relevant services section.
Check the available Passport Services or related reporting options.
If a lost Iqama reporting service is available for your case, select it.
Enter the requested information and review the details.
Submit the report and save any confirmation or reference number.
If you cannot find the lost Iqama reporting option in your account, contact Jawazat or ask your employer to complete the applicable procedure through the authorized portal.
Reporting a Lost Iqama Through Muqeem
For expatriate employees, the Muqeem portal is an important channel for employer-related residency services. Digital reporting of lost expatriate Iqamas through Muqeem was introduced in 2026.
The employer or authorized company representative can generally follow these steps:
Open the official Muqeem portal.
Log in using the company's authorized account.
Access the relevant applicant or resident dashboard.
Enter the required Iqama information.
Open the Jawazat Services section.
Select the available lost expatriate Iqama reporting service.
Review the information and submit the report electronically.
The employer should keep the submission confirmation and follow any additional instructions displayed by the portal.
If you are an employee, contact your HR department or authorized representative to confirm that the report has been submitted successfully.
What Is the Penalty for Lost Iqama in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has penalties for failing to report a lost Iqama within the required 24-hour period. During the Lost Iqama Report in Absher process, residents should make sure they follow the official reporting requirements to avoid unnecessary fines.
According to the Ministry of Interior's published Iqama violation information, the penalties for not reporting the loss of an Iqama or passport within 24 hours are:
Violation | Penalty |
First violation | SAR 1,000 |
Second violation | SAR 2,000 |
Third violation | SAR 3,000 |
These amounts relate to failure to report the loss within the specified period. They should not be confused with the cost of issuing a replacement Iqama.
You should report the loss immediately rather than waiting until you need the document for another official transaction. The applicable penalty and any further action should be confirmed with Jawazat.
How to Get a Replacement Iqama
After reporting the loss, you should arrange a replacement through the responsible employer or authorized channel.
For employees sponsored by a company, contact your employer's HR or government relations department. The employer generally handles the required Jawazat procedures and submits the replacement request through the relevant system. You can also use our Saudi Arabia Overtime Calculator to calculate your overtime payments and understand your employment-related earnings.
You may need to provide:
Your Iqama number.
A copy of your passport.
Your personal and residency information.
Confirmation or reference details of the lost Iqama report.
Any additional documents requested by Jawazat.
The exact requirements can vary depending on your situation. Follow the instructions provided by the relevant government portal or Jawazat office.
What If Your Iqama Is Stolen?
If your Iqama has been stolen rather than simply misplaced, you should inform the police and report the incident to the relevant passport authorities.
Keep a copy of any police report or official confirmation. This may help when explaining the circumstances and completing the replacement process.
Also, be careful if someone contacts you claiming to have found your Iqama. Avoid sharing personal information or paying unofficial individuals to recover your document.
Important Tips After Losing Your Iqama
Keep a digital copy of your Iqama and passport in a secure location so you can access the information when needed. A digital copy does not replace the original residence permit, but it can help you provide the required details during official procedures.
Always use official government platforms and authorized representatives. Do not rely on unofficial websites or agents for reporting a lost document. For other everyday calculations in the Kingdom, you can also try our Saudi Arabia VAT Calculator to calculate value-added tax on purchases and services.
Conclusion
If your Iqama is lost in Saudi Arabia, report it as soon as possible and make sure the relevant authorities receive your report within 24 hours. Depending on your situation, the process may involve Absher, Muqeem, your employer, or Jawazat.
Remember that failing to report a lost Iqama within the required period can result in penalties of SAR 1,000 for the first violation, SAR 2,000 for the second, and SAR 3,000 for the third. After submitting the report, follow the required steps to obtain a replacement and keep your residency documents up to date.