Iqama Services

Lost or Damaged Iqama Replacement in Saudi Arabia

Lost Iqama replacement is one of the most common operational tickets for HR teams of foreign workers. The penalty structure penalises repeat losses heavily, so first-loss handling needs to be fast and well-documented.

What is iqama replacement in Saudi Arabia? Iqama replacement is the re-issuance of a residency card that has been lost, stolen or damaged. The process runs through Absher and (for first-loss claims) is fee-free; subsequent losses incur SAR 1,000+ penalties.

Iqama Replacement — operational guide

Iqama replacement is the re-issuance of a residency card that has been lost, stolen or damaged. The process runs through Absher and (for first-loss claims) is fee-free; subsequent losses incur SAR 1,000+ penalties.

Lost Iqama replacement is one of the most common operational tickets for HR teams of foreign workers. The penalty structure penalises repeat losses heavily, so first-loss handling needs to be fast and well-documented.

Tamra runs iqama replacement 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 Replacement
CostFirst loss: free (admin only). Second: SAR 1,000. Third: SAR 3,000.
Timeline5–15 working days from police report to new Iqama in hand.
Primary portalMuqeem / Absher / Qiwa
Sponsoring authorityMOI + MHRSD

Process — step by step

5–15 working days from police report to new Iqama in hand.

  1. Police report. Employee files a police report (badge issued through Absher Individuals or in-person at the local police station).
  2. Absher request. Employer (or Tamra) submits the replacement request via Absher Business / Muqeem with the police report attached.
  3. Fee payment. Pay the loss fee via SADAD if applicable (no fee for first loss).
  4. Card issuance. Updated Iqama issued digitally via Tawakkalna immediately; physical card 5–15 days.

Documents required

  • Police report (issued via Absher)
  • Original passport
  • Recent passport-sized photograph (digital upload)
  • Active health insurance

Common mistakes

  • Not filing the police report — Absher will reject the request
  • Filing for replacement on a near-expiry Iqama instead of just renewing
  • Multiple losses in the same Iqama cycle trigger investigation flags

Frequently asked questions

How much does Iqama replacement cost?

First loss: free. Second: SAR 1,000. Third: SAR 3,000. The penalty escalates per loss, not per year.

How long does replacement take?

5–15 working days. The digital Iqama on Tawakkalna is updated within 24 hours of approval and is legally valid for most government interactions.

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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