How to Check KSA Muqeem Visa Validity Online in 2026

Every Pakistani worker in Saudi Arabia needs to know the status of their visa. An expired visa can lead to fines, deportation, or a ban from returning. The Muqeem portal makes it easy to check your visa status online in minutes, for free.

This guide explains every method available in 2026. It covers step-by-step instructions, visa status meanings, current fee tables, 2026 policy updates, and what to do if your visa has expired.

What Is the Muqeem Portal?

Muqeem (مقيم) is an official online platform managed by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). The portal allows employers, sponsors, and residents to manage visa and residency records for expatriate workers.

The portal went live as part of Saudi Arabia's digital government push. It handles exit and re-entry visas, iqama records, and employer-employee documentation. Most services on the Muqeem portal are free for individual residents to use.

What Is a Muqeem Visa?

Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia commonly use two terms: the iqama and the Muqeem visa. These are related but different.

The iqama is your residency permit. It is the physical card that proves you live and work legally in Saudi Arabia. Your employer sponsors your iqama, and it must be renewed before it expires.

A Muqeem visa typically refers to the exit and re-entry visa linked to your iqama. This visa allows you to leave Saudi Arabia for a trip and return without canceling your residency. Without a valid exit re-entry visa, you cannot leave and come back legally.

There is also the final exit visa. This visa ends your residency permanently. Once you use a final exit visa, your iqama is cancelled and you must apply for a new work visa to return to KSA. The Muqeem portal does not display final exit visa details; you need Absher for that.

Why Checking Your Visa Validity Matters

Many Pakistani workers do not check their visa status until they plan to travel or renew their iqama. By that point, the visa may already be expired, and fines will have started accumulating.

There are four main reasons to check your visa regularly:

1. Avoid fines: Overstaying triggers daily fines that grow quickly
2. Plan travel safely: An expired exit re-entry visa means you cannot return to KSA after travel
3. Protect your iqama: An expired iqama blocks access to banking, driving licenses, and public services
4. Employment security: Some employers check visa status before renewing contracts

Workers should check their visa status at least once a month. The entire process takes under five minutes.

Information You Need Before Checking

Before you open the Muqeem portal, gather the following information. Having these ready will make the process fast and error-free.

• Iqama number the 10-digit number on your residency card
• Date of birth Gregorian (international) format, e.g., 15/08/1990
• Passport number as printed on your passport's data page
• Visa number printed on your entry visa stamp (optional, but useful as a backup)

A common mistake: the Muqeem portal uses Gregorian dates, not Hijri calendar dates. If you enter your birthdate in the Islamic calendar format, the system will return an error. Always use the day/month/year format from your passport.

Method 1 Check via the Muqeem Portal 

The Muqeem portal is the primary and most direct way to check your visa status. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open a browser on your phone or computer. Go to muqeem.sa — the official Saudi government portal.

Step 2: Select the language. The portal is available in Arabic and English. Choose English for easier navigation.

Step 3: From the homepage menu, find and click on "Visa Validity" under the services section.

Step 4: A form will appear. Enter your Iqama number in the first field. This is the 10-digit number on your residency card.

Step 5: Enter your date of birth using the Gregorian calendar format (DD/MM/YYYY). Do not use the Hijri calendar here.

Step 6: As an alternative verification method, you can enter your passport number or visa number instead of the date of birth. The portal accepts multiple verification options.

Step 7: Click the "Check" button. The system will fetch your records from the Jawazat database and display your visa status on screen.

What the results page shows:

• Current visa status (Valid, Expired, Cancelled, Pending)
• Visa type (exit re-entry, work visa, etc.)
• Issue date and expiry date (both Gregorian and Hijri)
• Number of days remaining
• Whether you are currently inside or outside Saudi Arabia
• Your sponsor's name

The Muqeem portal works without a Saudi SIM card and without an Absher account. Any person with an iqama number and date of birth can check their visa status. The service is completely free.

Method 2 Check via the Absher Portal

Absher is Saudi Arabia's main digital government platform for individual residents. It handles a wider range of services than Muqeem, including exit re-entry visa applications, iqama renewal, and traffic fines.

Step 1: Go to absher.sa on your browser, or open the Absher app on your phone (available on iOS and Android).

Step 2: Log in using your Absher username and password. If you do not have an Absher account, you will need to register using your iqama number and a Saudi SIM card for OTP verification.

Step 3: After logging in, navigate to "Services" in the top menu.

Step 4: Select "Passport Services" from the list of service categories.

Step 5: Click on "Exit and Re-Entry Visa Status Inquiry" from the available options.

Step 6: Enter your 10-digit Iqama number and click Submit.

Step 7: The system will display your exit re-entry visa status, expiry date, and whether the visa has been used.

Method 3 Check via the Ministry of Labor Website

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (formerly Ministry of Labor) also provides a visa status check service. This method works well if the Muqeem portal is slow or unavailable.

Step 1: Open your browser and go to hrsd.gov.sa (the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources portal).

Step 2: Navigate to the "e-Services" section on the homepage.

Step 3: Look for the residency or visa inquiry service. The section may be labeled as "Residency Card Inquiry" or "Iqama Status."

Step 4: Enter your iqama number in the input field.

Step 5: Complete any CAPTCHA verification shown on screen.

Step 6: Click Submit. The system will show your visa dates and re-entry validity information.

This method is less commonly used but provides the same basic status information as the Muqeem portal.

How to Check Final Exit Visa Status

The final exit visa permanently ends your residency in Saudi Arabia. Once used, your iqama is cancelled and your employment contract in KSA is terminated.

Important: The Muqeem portal does not display final exit visa information. To check a final exit visa status, use:

• Absher platform (absher.sa) log in and check under Passport Services
• Ministry of Interior portal (moi.gov.sa) use the public inquiry service

If you are unsure whether your visa is a re-entry visa or a final exit visa, check with your employer or sponsor before traveling. Using a final exit visa by mistake permanently cancels your residency.

2026 Visa Policy Updates You Should Know

Saudi Arabia made several important changes to visa and residency rules in 2024 and 2026. Pakistani workers in KSA should be aware of these updates.

1. Three-Year Re-Entry Ban Removed (2024/2026)
Saudi Arabia previously imposed a three-year ban on workers who overstayed their visas or whose exit re-entry visas expired while they were abroad. This ban has been removed. Workers affected by the old rule can now re-enter Saudi Arabia on new work visas sponsored by their previous or current employer.

2. Absher Is Now the Only Channel for Exit Visa Applications
Physical visits to Jawazat offices are no longer required for standard exit re-entry visa applications. Employers must submit all exit visa applications through Absher or the Muqeem platform. Workers cannot apply for their own exit visa; only the sponsor can do this.

3. Biometric Update Required for Iqama Renewal
All iqama renewals in 2026 now require updated biometric data fingerprints and facial scans. Workers must complete this update at a designated Jawazat center before the iqama can be renewed and stamped.

4. CCHI Health Insurance Now Mandatory
The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) requires all expatriate workers to hold valid health insurance. Workers not covered by CCHI-approved health insurance cannot renew their iqama. Your employer is responsible for providing this coverage.

5. Muqeem Login Now Required
In previous years, workers could check visa status on muqeem.sa without logging in. From 2025 onward, a login is required for some services. However, the basic visa validity inquiry can still be performed with just an iqama number and date of birth, without a full account.

What to Do If Your Visa Has Expired

If your Muqeem check shows an expired status, take these steps immediately:

Step 1: Do not panic or ignore the status. Fines grow each day. The sooner you act, the lower the total fine.

Step 2: Contact your employer or sponsor. The employer is legally responsible for your iqama and exit visa in Saudi Arabia. They must apply for renewal or extension through Absher.

Step 3:  Do not attempt to leave Saudi Arabia. If your exit re-entry visa has expired and you travel, you may not be allowed to return. Your sponsor must issue a new valid visa before you travel.

Step 4: Check if you owe fines. Log into Absher and check the fines section. Your employer may be responsible for paying these fines, depending on your contract.

Step 5: If your iqama is expired, go to a Jawazat office. Expired iqamas require in-person processing in some cases, especially if biometric data needs updating.

Step 6: Contact the Pakistani Embassy if there is a dispute. If your employer is not responding or is refusing to renew your visa, contact the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh: +966 11 480 6000.

How Ghaffar And Sons Supports Pakistani Workers in Saudi Arabia

Ghaffar And Sons (license HRD/3182/RWP) has placed Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia since 2000. The agency holds 6 government certifications and has sent 5,000+ workers to 40+ countries worldwide.

Before workers depart for Saudi Arabia, Ghaffar And Sons handles visa processing coordination, medical appointments at GAMCA-approved clinics, degree and diploma attestation, and air ticketing through major carriers. The agency also coordinates pre-departure document verification to ensure workers arrive with a complete and valid file.

Workers placed through Ghaffar And Sons receive post-placement support throughout their contract. This includes monitoring of working conditions, employer coordination, and assistance in cases where workers need help contacting the Pakistani Embassy.

Employers in Saudi Arabia who need Pakistani workers across construction, oil and gas, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and engineering sectors can contact Ghaffar And Sons at ghaffarsons.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I check my Muqeem visa validity without logging in?
A: Yes. The basic visa validity check on muqeem.sa only requires your iqama number and date of birth. A full account login is needed for some advanced services but not for a simple status check.

Q: What is the difference between Muqeem and Absher for checking visa status?

A: Muqeem is designed for employers and visa status inquiries. It works without a Saudi SIM card or account. Absher is the personal government portal for residents; it requires an account and a Saudi phone number for OTP. Use Muqeem for a quick check. Use Absher for visa applications and iqama management.

Q: My visa shows "Expired" but I am inside Saudi Arabia. What should I do?

A: Contact your employer immediately. Do not attempt to travel. Your employer must apply for a renewal through Absher. Fines are accumulating from the day after expiry, so act fast.

Q: Can I check my family members' visa status on Muqeem?

A: Yes. Each family member has their own iqama number. You can check each one separately using the same process on muqeem.sa. Enter the individual iqama number and date of birth for each person.

Q: Does Muqeem show my final exit visa status?

A: No. The Muqeem portal does not display final exit visa details. Use the Absher platform or the Ministry of Interior portal (moi.gov.sa) to check a final exit visa.