📴 How to Cancel a SIM Card Registered Under Your Iqama in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide)

In Saudi Arabia, your Iqama is linked to nearly every official service — from your bank account to your mobile SIM cards. If you’ve ever discovered a SIM card registered under your Iqama that you’re not using or didn’t authorize, it's essential to take immediate action. Not only is this a security risk, but it may also have legal consequences if the SIM is misused.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to check, report, and cancel any SIM card registered under your Iqama with major telecom providers in Saudi Arabia.


✅ Why You Should Cancel Extra or Unauthorized SIMs

You may be wondering: what’s the harm in having a few extra SIM cards linked to your Iqama?

Here’s why it matters:

⚠️ 1. Identity Misuse

If someone uses your Iqama to register a SIM and then uses it for illegal purposes (fraud, scams, etc.), you could get into serious trouble—even if you weren’t involved.

🚫 2. SIM Card Limits

The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) allows a maximum of 10 SIM cards per individual. If your limit is exceeded, you won’t be able to register new numbers.

💸 3. Financial Risk

Unused SIMs may continue to incur charges, or worse, be linked to banking or government notifications that you won’t receive.


📊 Step 1: Check Which SIM Cards Are Registered Under Your Iqama

Before canceling any SIM card, you first need to know how many are active under your Iqama.

Use the official CST portal to check:

👉 https://portalservices.cst.gov.sa

How to Check:

  1. Visit the CST Portal.

  2. Enter your:

    • Iqama Number

    • Date of Birth

    • Mobile Number (optional, for OTP)

    • Captcha Code

  3. Click “Submit”

  4. If OTP is entered, you’ll see all registered SIMs across networks (STC, Mobily, Zain, etc.)


📱 Step 2: Visit the Provider to Cancel the SIM

SIM card cancellation must be done in person. Saudi telecom providers require physical verification of your Iqama.

List of Major Telecom Providers:

Provider     Website     Customer Care
STC        stc.com.sa      900
Mobily             mobily.com.sa      1100
Zain        sa.zain.com       959
Virgin Mobile        virginmobile.sa       1789
Lebara        lebara.sa       1755

Documents Required:

  • Original Iqama

  • The mobile number you want to cancel

  • Optional: a printout/screenshot from the CST portal

Once you’re at the branch:

  • Explain that you want to cancel a SIM registered under your Iqama.

  • If you don’t recognize the number, inform them it’s unauthorized.

  • They may ask some verification questions.

  • Once confirmed, the representative will deactivate and remove the SIM from your Iqama.


🔁 Step 3: Get Written or SMS Confirmation

Always request confirmation that the number has been successfully canceled. This could be:

  • A printed receipt from the provider

  • A confirmation SMS

  • A service ticket number for your records

Keep this confirmation in case the number resurfaces later.


🛡 Step 4: Report Misuse (If the SIM Is Unauthorized)

If the number was fraudulently registered without your consent, report it to the CST.

👉 File a complaint here:
https://portalservices.cst.gov.sa/Services/Complaint

How to Report:

  1. Choose the telecom provider.

  2. Select “Unauthorized SIM registration” as the issue.

  3. Attach:

    • A screenshot from CST showing the number

    • Your Iqama copy

  4. Submit and wait for follow-up from CST


🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I cancel a SIM online?

No. For security and verification reasons, you must cancel SIM cards in person at the provider’s branch.


Q2: What if I don’t have the SIM card?

That’s okay. As long as the number is under your Iqama and you provide ID, the provider can still deactivate it.


Q3: How many SIMs can I have on my Iqama?

CST allows up to 10 SIMs per person. Additional lines may be allowed for data SIMs or under business accounts.


Q4: Can I cancel a SIM registered to my dependent or domestic worker?

Only if you are their legal sponsor. Otherwise, each person must cancel SIMs linked to their own Iqama.


Q5: How long does cancellation take?

Most deactivations are immediate. Some providers may take up to 24 hours to fully process the cancellation.


📌 Pro Tips

  • Check your CST SIM list every 3 to 6 months.

  • Never share copies of your Iqama unless it’s a secure and official source.

  • Avoid buying SIMs from unauthorized vendors, especially outside malls or supermarkets.

  • If you stop using a SIM for more than 90 days, cancel it to avoid issues later.


🔗 Related Blog Posts


🧭 Final Thoughts

In today’s digital age, protecting your identity is more important than ever—especially when it comes to something as sensitive as your Iqama-linked SIM cards. Canceling unused or unauthorized SIMs is quick, easy, and essential to staying safe and compliant with Saudi regulations.

Whether you're tidying up old accounts or preventing fraud, now’s the perfect time to visit your provider and clear any SIMs you’re not using. 

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