My Life in Saudi

 If you’re an expat living and working in Saudi Arabia, you've probably heard of GOSI — but what is it exactly, and how does it affect you? Whether you're new to the Kingdom or have been here for years, understanding GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) is essential. While it primarily benefits Saudi nationals, it also applies in part to expatriate workers, especially in the event of workplace accidents. This guide covers what GOSI is, why it matters, how it affects your employment, and how to check your registration and benefits online. 📌 What is GOSI? GOSI stands for the General Organization for Social Insurance . It’s a Saudi government agency that manages social insurance programs for both Saudis and non-Saudis working in the public and private sectors. GOSI was established to ensure that employees are financially protected in certain situations like: Old age (pensions) Work-related injuries or disabilities Death (for Saudi workers) Unemplo...

  If you're an expatriate living and working in Saudi Arabia, you may want to bring your family members for a visit—whether for a short stay or extended time. The Family Visit Visa makes this possible, and the good news is: the process has become more streamlined and digital over the years. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia in 2025 , including requirements, costs, step-by-step procedures, tips, and common mistakes to avoid. 🟢 What Is a Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia? A Family Visit Visa is a legal document issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) allowing foreign residents (expats) to bring their immediate family members —like spouse, children, parents, or parents-in-law—to the Kingdom for a temporary stay. There are two types of Family Visit Visas: Single Entry Visa : Valid for 30 to 90 days; renewable up to 180 days. Multiple Entry Visa : Valid for...

  Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving into a digital-first nation, and one of the essential foundations of this transformation is the Saudi National Address system . Whether you're a citizen or an expat, this digital address system is mandatory —and for good reason. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Saudi National Address : what it is, why it’s required, how to register or update it, and how it benefits you in daily life—from government services to home delivery. 📍 What is the Saudi National Address? The Saudi National Address is a standardized geographic address system developed by Saudi Post (SPL) and enforced by the Saudi government . It was launched in 2013 and made mandatory for all residents —including expatriates. Your National Address includes: Building Number Street Name District (Neighborhood) City Postal Code Additional Number Unit Number This address uniquely identifies your residence and is used across a ...

As an expat in Saudi Arabia, your Iqama status is the key to understanding your employment eligibility and the legal standing of your sponsoring company . One important indicator is your “Red Green status” in the Ministry of Labor (MOL) system, also known as Nitaqat status . In this post, we'll break down what the Red-Green Iqama status means, how to check it, and what to do if your status isn't favorable. 📌 What is Iqama Red Green Status? The Red-Green status system is part of Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat Program , launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) to encourage the hiring of Saudi nationals. It categorizes companies based on their Saudization (Nitaqat) levels into: 🟢 Green (Low to Platinum) – Compliant and eligible to hire expats 🔴 Red – Non-compliant, restricted from new visas and transfers Your personal Iqama status reflects the category of your employer. 🧾 Color Categories in Detail: Color Category...

If you're an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia, it's important to know the details of your employment contract. The Qiwa platform now allows employees to view, verify, and download their job contracts online — making the process transparent and simple. 📌 What is Qiwa? Qiwa is a digital platform launched by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) to unify employee and employer services, including employment contracts, job offers, and labor transfers. ✅ Why Should You Check Your Qiwa Contract? To ensure your job title, salary, and terms match what you were promised. To make sure the contract is uploaded and approved by the employer. To have legal documentation in case of disputes. 🔍 How to Check Your Contract in Qiwa Visit the official Qiwa site: qiwa.sa Log in using your Absher credentials (national/Iqama ID + password + OTP). Once logged in, go to “Employee Services” . ...

In the past, foreign workers in Saudi Arabia were heavily dependent on their Kafeel (sponsor) to switch jobs. However, thanks to the Ministry of Human Resources' reforms, expats can now transfer jobs without the need for their sponsor’s approval — under specific conditions. 🔄 What Is Job Transfer Without Kafeel? This new policy is part of the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) , which enhances worker mobility and provides greater flexibility in the Saudi job market. It applies to private-sector expatriates under the labor law. ✅ Conditions to Change Job Without Kafeel's Approval You can switch employers without your current sponsor’s consent if the following conditions are met: Completion of the current employment contract. Working with the current employer for at least one year (if the contract is not fixed-term). Having a valid Iqama (residency permit). No active violations or complaints pending in the Qiwa platform . ...

For every expatriate living in Saudi Arabia, the Iqama is your most important legal document. It serves as your residency permit , and staying updated on its issuance date and expiration is crucial to avoid fines, penalties, or legal trouble. In this post, we’ll walk you through the easiest and fastest ways to check your Iqama issuance and expiry dates online — even if you don't have an Absher account. 📌 Why It’s Important to Check Your Iqama Validity ✅ Avoid overstay fines or legal issues ✅ Know when to renew in advance ✅ Confirm that your employer has renewed it on time ✅ Ensure your Iqama number is active in government systems 🔍 How to Check Iqama Issuance & Expiry Without Absher 🧾 Method 1: MOL Portal (Using Iqama Number) Go to the Ministry of Labor website: mol.gov.sa Choose “English” at the top if needed Enter your: Iqama Number Date of Birth Captcha Code Click on "Submit" 📢 Resu...

The Iqama is your official residence permit in Saudi Arabia, and keeping it valid is essential to avoid legal troubles, fines, or deportation. Fortunately, renewing your Iqama is straightforward if you follow the right steps. This guide explains how expats can easily renew their Iqama, what documents are required, and the role your employer plays in the process. Who is Responsible for Renewing the Iqama? Iqama renewal is the responsibility of the sponsor (kafeel) or your employer. They must complete the process before your Iqama expires. However, you should stay informed and ensure your company does it on time to avoid penalties. When Should the Iqama Be Renewed? Your Iqama must be renewed before its expiration date . It’s recommended to begin the process at least two weeks in advance . You can check your Iqama expiry date through the Absher portal . Requirements for Iqama Renewal Valid passport Iqama (current one) Payment of Iqam...

How to Replace Your Foreign Driving License in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide) Meta Description: Need to swap your foreign driving license for a Saudi one? Learn the step-by-step process, required documents, fees, appointment booking, and where to go. Labels: Driving in Saudi Arabia, Expat Driving License, Absher, License Conversion, Saudi Traffic Rules Introduction If you’ve moved to Saudi Arabia from abroad and hold a valid foreign driving license, you can replace it with a Saudi one—no need to retake driving exams if your country is approved. Here's how to navigate the process smoothly in 2025. 📄 Documents You’ll Need Original foreign license + Arabic translation Four passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) Iqama (residency permit) copy + sponsor letter Copy of passport Completed official form (available at Moroor or online) Payment receipt (200 SAR for 5 years, or 400 SAR for 10 years) Medical check report (eye + blood test) The medical test must be done at...