Securing a Newborn Iqama in Saudi Arabia
The birth of a child is a joyous occasion, whether the child is born in Saudi Arabia or your home country. One of the crucial administrative steps for expat residents following this event is to secure an Iqama, a residency permit, for the newborn. This comprehensive guide explains the process for you.
Step 1: Assembling Your Documentation
To begin the process, you’ll need a collection of documents for the newborn Iqama application. These can be gathered and submitted online via Absher, the governmental platform, meaning there’s no need to visit the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) physically. Convert the following documents into one PDF file for upload:
- Baby’s Birth Certificate.
- Baby’s Passport.
- Dependent fee payment.
- Valid Insurance coverage.
- Newborn’s photographs.
- Copies of the father’s and mother’s Iqama.
- Copies of the father’s and mother’s passports.
- Baby’s vaccination card.
- If you don’t sponsor your wife, include the original Marriage Certificate duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- If applicable, a SAR 1,000 fine for a late Iqama application (beyond 12 months after birth) is only for babies born in Saudi Arabia.
Step 2: Extra Documentation for Overseas Births
If your baby was born outside Saudi Arabia, the process is a bit different. Once you bring the baby to Saudi Arabia, you’ll have to gather some more documents, which we list below. We’ll discuss how to bring your newborn baby to Saudi Arabia later in this article.
- The border number is shown on the passport page.
- The Polio immunization certificate is provided by the hospital.
- A photocopy of the stamped visa on the passport or the on-arrival visa.
- Proof of payment for the SAR 2,000 Iqama fee for the newborn.
Step 3: Filing the Application
Once you’ve put all your documents into one PDF, go to Absher (https://www.absher.sa/) to start the application process:
- After logging in, select “Services” under “My Services”, choose “Passports”, and then “Tawasul“.
- Press the “New Request” button on the next page.
- Fill out the form, select the appropriate options for your child’s place of birth, and describe your issue in “Request Description”.
- Finally, attach the PDF file prepared earlier. Ensure it’s named as a single word without any spaces and that all special characters have been removed.
You’ll receive a mobile notification once your application has been processed.
Step 4: Iqama Printout
After receiving confirmation of your successful application:
- Log into your Absher account again.
- Select “General Services”, then “Passports”, then the “Tawasul” service, and finally, “Inquire for Requests”.
If your request is approved, bring your documents and the printout of the Tawasul request to the Jawazat office for immediate printing of the Iqama. Make sure you have booked an appointment for Resident Services beforehand.
Bringing a Newborn Baby to Saudi Arabia
If both parents have a valid Iqama, here’s the process to bring a baby born outside Saudi Arabia into the country:
Before proceeding, ensure that:
- The child is less than 12 months old.
- Both parents hold a valid Iqama.
- The mother has a valid exit reentry visa.
If you fulfil the preconditions, your baby can receive an on-arrival visa at any Saudi Arabian international airport. The mother should bring the following:
- Newborn’s Passport.
- Baby’s birth certificate.
- Baby’s vaccination card.
- Photocopies of parents’ Iqama.
- Photocopies of parents’ passports.
The immigration officer will verify these documents upon arrival and stamp the passport. The visa is typically linked to the father’s Iqama, although working mothers can request it is linked to theirs instead. This visa is free of charge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of obtaining an Iqama for a newborn, whether they’re born within Saudi Arabia or overseas, can be managed efficiently with proper preparation. From gathering essential documents to understanding the details of the online application process, every step is crucial. Also, bringing your newborn to Saudi Arabia involves meeting specific preconditions and following the appropriate visa procedures. By adhering to the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, making the transition for your little one as seamless as possible.
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