Guidelines for Verifying Sponsor Name and Sponsor ID in Saudi Arabia

The employment of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia (KSA) is monitored through the Kafala (Kafalat) system. Any person from another country seeking work in KSA must be sponsored by a sponsor (sponsor), who can be a company or a Saudi national.

A written employment contract is mandatory for all foreign workers. The contract needs to specify important information including the term of employment, compensation, accommodation expenses, medical coverage, and vacation provisions. Throughout the duration of the contract, the sponsor assumes all responsibility for the employee they are sponsoring.

As a foreign worker in KSA, you need to get express permission from your sponsor for various activities, such as entering or leaving the country and changing jobs. Your sponsor's name and ID are often requested for routine tasks, so it's important to know how to access this information.

Understanding the Sponsor ID on Saudi Arabia Visas

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Labor assigns a unique 10-digit numeric code to each business entity, known as the Sponsor ID. This identifier is required to recognize Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sponsors within the KSA.

Sponsor immigrants for a variety of purposes, including obtaining Iqama cards (residence and work permits), verifying visa status, renewing driver's licenses, opening bank accounts, and tracking medical insurance expiration dates. ID is required.

Can you confirm your sponsor's name on Iqama?

Immigrants have several ways to access their sponsor's name and sponsor ID through various sources.

Checking Sponsor ID through the Passport: The Sponsor ID can be found on the stamped KSA visa page in your passport. Look at the fifth line from the right to locate the 10-digit sponsor ID. As it might be in Arabic, translation assistance could be necessary.

Checking Kafeel Name and Sponsor ID through Absher: An Absher account is essential to access your sponsor ID in the KSA. This platform serves various functions, such as checking Iqama expiration dates, applying for exit/re-entry visas, and renewing driving licenses. Register for an Absher account on their website by providing your Iqama number, mobile number, username, password, and language. Upon SMS code verification, your account becomes active. To locate your sponsor ID via Absher:

Sign in to your Absher account.

Access the 'Dashboard' and click on 'More Detail.'

Among other information, you'll discover your Kafeel’s name and ID.

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 retrieve your sponsor’s name and ID. This method is also useful for checking the status of your Iqama transfer request.

Checking the Sponsor Colour Category

"The Sponsor Colour, sometimes referred to as the Nitaqat Colour, indicates the level of Saudization within your employer's company. This classification has an impact on job opportunities, visa transfers, Iqama renewals, and various other aspects. To discover your company's color category, visit the Ministry of Labour website and provide your passport number, residency number, and nationality. The available categories include:

• Red: Low Saudization, limited benefits.
• Yellow: Slightly better than red, with specific visa issuance conditions.
• Green: Better Saudization, enabling Iqama renewal every two months and job changes.
• Green or Platinum: The most desirable category, allowing more foreign worker hires, hassle-free visa transfers, and job changes.

Comprehending the Kafala system and having a grasp of these critical details is of utmost importance for expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia, as it ensures a more seamless experience while navigating the country's employment environment.