If you’re an expatriate living and working in Saudi Arabia, your Iqama (residency permit) is essential to your legal stay and access to services like banking, healthcare, and education.
To boost local employment, the government introduced the Nitaqat program in 2011, which classifies private companies based on how many Saudi nationals they employ.
What Is the Nitaqat Color System?
Under Nitaqat, companies are placed into color-coded categories that show their compliance with Saudization targets. These colors directly affect your employment stability and Iqama-related services.
As of 2026, the system uses these categories:
- Platinum: Highest Saudization compliance
- High Green, Medium Green, and Low Green: Various levels of compliance
- Red: Non-compliance with serious restrictions
Important Note: The Yellow category was abolished in January 2020, and companies previously in this category were moved to Red.
How to Check Your Iqama Red-Green Status
You can check your company’s Nitaqat status through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) website. Here’s how:
- Visit the official Non-Saudi Employee Inquiry page at: https://es.hrsd.gov.sa/services/inquiry/nonsaudiempinquiry.aspx
- Enter your Iqama number, border number, or passport number
- Complete the verification code shown on screen
- Click the search button
The results will show your company’s Nitaqat color, employer name, employment status, work permit number, and related details. The page is in Arabic, so you may want to use your browser’s translation feature.
Related: How to Check Iqama Expiry Date in Saudi Arabia Online
What Each Color Means for Expatriates
Platinum / High Green / Medium Green
Companies in these categories enjoy full compliance benefits. They can:
- Hire new expatriate workers
- Renew Iqamas and work permits without restrictions
- Change job titles and occupations for employees
- Transfer workers from any category
- Process visas quickly
Low Green
Companies can renew existing expatriate permits but face limitations:
- Cannot hire new expatriates
- Cannot change employee job titles
- May experience delays in some government services
Red
Companies in this category face severe restrictions:
- Cannot hire new expatriate workers
- Cannot renew Iqamas or work permits
- Cannot transfer employees
- Cannot update job titles or occupations
- May face fines and penalties
Why This Matters to You
Your employer’s Nitaqat status directly impacts:
- Iqama renewal: Red status companies cannot renew your residency permit
- Job mobility: Your ability to transfer to another employer depends on your current company’s status
- Job title changes: Only compliant companies can update your occupation
- Overall stability: Your employment security in Saudi Arabia
Checking your status regularly helps you stay informed about your employment options and plan your future in the Kingdom.
Related: Iqama Issuance and Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia 2026
What to Do If Your Company Is in Red
If you discover your employer is in the Red category:
- Speak with your HR department about the company’s Saudization plan
- Start exploring job opportunities with Green or Platinum companies
- Ensure your Iqama hasn’t expired while your company resolves its status
- Consider transferring your sponsorship if the situation doesn’t improve
2026 Updates to Nitaqat
Saudi Arabia announced the “Developed Nitaqat Program” (Nitaqat Al-Mutawir) for 2026-2029, targeting the creation of over 340,000 jobs for Saudi nationals. This may bring further changes to requirements and categories, so stay updated through official HRSD channels.