Iqama Services

Iqama Cancellation & Final Exit in Saudi Arabia (2026)

Cancellation is irreversible without re-applying for a new work visa from scratch. It is the most legally sensitive step in offboarding because it intersects end-of-service gratuity, GOSI deregistration, vacation balance settlement and dependent visa cancellation.

What is iqama cancellation in Saudi Arabia? Iqama cancellation is the legal termination of a foreign worker's Saudi residency at end of employment, paired with a Final Exit Visa that allows them to leave the Kingdom permanently.

Iqama Cancellation — operational guide

Iqama cancellation is the legal termination of a foreign worker's Saudi residency at end of employment, paired with a Final Exit Visa that allows them to leave the Kingdom permanently.

Cancellation is irreversible without re-applying for a new work visa from scratch. It is the most legally sensitive step in offboarding because it intersects end-of-service gratuity, GOSI deregistration, vacation balance settlement and dependent visa cancellation.

Tamra runs iqama cancellation as a managed service for foreign employers — including the GOSI, Saudization, Absher and Muqeem touch-points that block most non-specialist providers.

Key facts

ServiceIqama Cancellation
CostFree in Muqeem (cancellation itself). Final Exit Visa: SAR 200. End-of-service payment: per Saudi Labour Law (typically 0.5 to 1 month per year of service).
Timeline2–5 working days once end-of-service settlement is signed.
Primary portalMuqeem / Absher / Qiwa
Sponsoring authorityMOI + MHRSD

Process — step by step

2–5 working days once end-of-service settlement is signed.

  1. End-of-service calculation. Calculate gratuity, untaken vacation, notice period and any allowances per the Saudi Labour Law.
  2. Final settlement & employee acknowledgment. Settlement is signed digitally via Mudad / WPS. Employee confirms receipt.
  3. Dependent Iqama cancellation. All dependents under the same sponsor must have their Iqamas cancelled or transferred before the main worker's cancellation can proceed.
  4. Iqama cancellation in Muqeem. Employer (or Tamra) cancels the Iqama via Muqeem. System validates against GOSI and MOL.
  5. Final Exit Visa issuance. Final Exit Visa is issued through Absher with a 60-day validity. Employee must depart within this window.
  6. GOSI deregistration. Employee is deregistered from GOSI, ending all employer contributions. End-of-service payment is released to the employee's bank account.

Documents required

  • Valid Iqama
  • Signed end-of-service settlement (via Mudad)
  • All dependents cancelled or transferred
  • No outstanding traffic fines, court cases or labour disputes

Common mistakes

  • Cancelling Iqama before settling end-of-service — illegal under Saudi Labour Law
  • Not cancelling dependents first — system blocks the main cancellation
  • Not paying outstanding traffic fines — Final Exit will not issue
  • Issuing Final Exit before the 60-day window the employee can actually use it

Frequently asked questions

What does Iqama cancellation cost?

Cancellation itself is free. The Final Exit Visa is SAR 200. End-of-service gratuity is calculated per Saudi Labour Law (0.5 month per year for first 5 years, 1 month per year thereafter).

Can a cancelled Iqama be reinstated?

No. Once cancelled, the worker must apply for a new work visa from scratch (requires re-attestation, GAMCA, etc.).

Does Tamra handle the full offboarding?

Yes. End-of-service calculation, settlement signing, dependent cancellation, Iqama cancellation, Final Exit Visa and GOSI deregistration — all in one workflow.

Does Tamra handle this end-to-end?

Yes. Tamra manages this as part of the standard Iqama administration package — including all government portal interactions, fee payments and compliance reporting.

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