The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regulates the employment of expatriate workers through the Kafala (sponsorship) system. Any foreign national seeking employment in the KSA must be sponsored by a kafeel (sponsor), who can be either a company or a Saudi citizen.
For all expatriate workers, it is mandatory to have a written employment contract. This contract should outline essential details such as the employment duration, compensation, Iqama cost, medical expenses, and vacation terms. The sponsor bears all responsibilities for the sponsored employee throughout the contract period.
Being an expatriate worker in the KSA means you need explicit permission from your sponsor for various activities, including entering or leaving the country and changing employment. Your sponsor’s name and ID are frequently required for everyday activities, making it essential to know how to check this information.
Understanding the Sponsor ID on Saudi Arabian Visas
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Labour assigns a unique identification number to every business entity, known as the Sponsor ID. This 10-digit numeric code is crucial for identifying Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) sponsors in the KSA.
Expatriates need the Sponsor ID for various purposes, including obtaining the Iqama card (residence and work permit), checking visa status, renewing driving licenses, opening bank accounts, and monitoring medical insurance expiration dates.
Can You Check Your Kafeel Name on the Iqama?
Expatriates can find their sponsor’s name and Sponsor ID through different sources:
- Checking Sponsor ID through the Passport: The Sponsor ID is available on the stamped KSA visa page in your passport. Look at the fifth line from the right, where you’ll find the 10-digit sponsor ID. It might be in Arabic, so translation assistance may be needed.
- Checking Kafeel Name and Sponsor ID through Absher: To access your sponsor ID in the KSA, you should have an Absher account. This account serves various purposes, such as checking Iqama expiration dates, applying for exit/re-entry visas, and renewing driving licenses. Register for an Absher account on the website, providing your Iqama number, mobile number, username, password, and language. After verification via an SMS code, your account will be ready. To find your sponsor ID through Absher:
- Log in to your Absher account.
- Go to the “Dashboard” and click on “More Detail.”
- You’ll find your Kafeel’s name and ID among other information.
- Checking Sponsor ID through the Ministry of Labour (MOL) Website: By entering your Iqama number and name on the Ministry of Labour website, you can find your sponsor’s name and ID. This method can also be used to check the status of your Iqama transfer request.
Checking the Sponsor Colour Category
The Sponsor Colour, or Nitaqat Colour, reflects the Saudization rate of your employer company. This color category influences job prospects, visa transfers, Iqama renewals, and more. You can find your company’s color category on the Ministry of Labour website by entering your passport number, residency number, and nationality. The categories include:
- Red: Low Saudization, limited benefits.
- Yellow: Slightly better than red, with specific visa issuance conditions.
- Green: Better Saudization, allowing Iqama renewal every two months and job changes.
- Green or Platinum: The most desirable category, allowing more foreign worker hires and hassle-free visa transfers and job changes.
Understanding the Kafala system and these essential details is crucial for expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a smoother experience when navigating the country’s employment landscape.
