Want to know your Iqama colour status in Saudi Arabia?
Most expatriates in Saudi Arabia have frequently been told about such terms as Green, Red, and Nitaqat status, yet they do not properly understand how the mentioned categories relate to their working and living in Saudi Arabia. The expatriate employment regime in Saudi Arabia is tightly controlled with a national initiative that works on assessing the performance of companies in employing Saudi nationals. Such a system is referred to as the Nitaqat program, which was established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to enhance employment among Saudi nationals.
In this guide, I’ll show you how you can check the Iqama colour status through the internet, what each category implies, and what tips should be used to make sure that your residency and employment.
What Is Iqama Colour (Nitaqat)?
The programme of Nitaqat includes Iqama colour status and was set up in June 2011 by the Saudi Ministry of Labour. The goals are:
- Increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals
- Reduce reliance on foreign workers
The companies are categorized in terms of the percentage of their Saudization, the rate of hiring Saudi employees. Depending on this, a color status is granted to your company, which influences your work privileges and visa processing.
The categories are:
- Green (Best)
- Red (Worst)
- Excluded (مستبعد)
- Yellow – removed since January 26, 2020
How to Check Iqama Colour Status Online
In case you need to check your Iqama colour, it is not a difficult task. No complex procedure is required; you just have to follow this process.
Method: Check via the Official Labour Portal
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Click on the portal to the Ministry of Labour or Human Resources: https://www.mol.gov.sa.
Step 2: Go to Services
- Input your Iqama number
- Fill in verification (captcha should be filled in where applicable)
Step 3: View Company Status
Once submitted, you’ll see:
- Your company name
- Its Nitaqat category (Green or Red)
This output is a replica of your status as an employee; hence, get the listings always right.
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Category of Iqama Result
Green Category
You are in a good position if your company belongs to the Green category.
Benefits of Green:
- Easier visa processing for foreign workers
- Jobs can be transferred out of Red companies without the consent of Kafeel by employees.
- Allowed to change professions
- Renewal of Iqama of up to 3 months before expiry.
In other words, Green status provides you with freedom and tranquility.
Red Category
Red firms are those that are not very compliant with the Saudization rules.
Restrictions Include
- Cannot issue new visas
- It is impossible to move sponsorship over to other companies.
- The employees are free to shift to the Green companies.
- Cannot renew the Iqama
- Not able to alter the careers of employees.
- Cannot open new branches
Yellow Category
The Yellow category does not exist anymore. It is possible that since January 26, 2020, all Yellow companies have been changed to the Red category. Disregard old links on the Internet.
Excluded Category (مستبعد)
This group is applicable to extremely small businesses, typically those with fewer than 6 employees.
Key Points:
- Nitaqat rules don’t strictly apply
- Functionally similar to Green in flexibility
- No major restrictions
What Should You Do Based on Your Iqama Status?
This is the part that most blogs do not consider; it’s where you get the real value.
If Your Status is Green
- Continue working normally
- Keep your documents updated
- Plan long-term career growth
If Your Status is Red
- Begin checking out more favorable employment.
- Give a thought to changing the company to a steady one.
- Avoid delays in taking action
I would always advise, never leave doing it until your scenario becomes critical.
Tips for Expatriates Working in Saudi Arabia
The working experience requires updating the expat workers on the situation of their company and the terms of employment to ensure a smooth working experience. Here are a few useful tips:
Monitor Your Status Regularly
Checking your Iqama and company status on a regular basis is better to avoid a bad surprise.
Choose Employers Carefully
However, before accepting a job offer, attempt to know more about the reputation of the company and whether it obeys the regulations of labor laws.
Keep Your Documents Updated
Make sure that you have a valid and up-to-date Iqama, passport, and employment documents. Keeping these factors in mind, you may be in a position to have a firm and stable career in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Iqama colour status mean?
Iqama colour status is the status that a company is placed under the Nitaqat program in reference to its adherence to the Saudization rules.
Which category of Iqama is the best?
The Green category can be described as the most favourable, as firms within this category satisfy the necessary amounts of Saudization.
Does the Yellow category remain in operation?
No. This category was eliminated in 2020, and the companies that were once in the Yellow category were transferred to the Red category.
Is there a transfer of employees between Red category companies?
Workers in organizations with poor compliance can find chances of moving to other companies with superior classifications.
Read Also: How to Check STC SIM Number in Seconds (150# Code)
Final Words
The status of the Iqama colour system is important in controlling the labour market in Saudi Arabia. The Nitaqat program enables companies to be rated according to their intentions of employing Saudi citizens and having balanced employment practices.
Expatriate workers must be familiar with these classifications. Understanding that your company is under the Green, Red, or Excluded category.
