In a structural shift designed to streamline the expatriate workforce experience under the Vision 2030 framework, Saudi Arabia has officially deployed its new five-year physical Resident Identity card, known as the Muqeem card. Replacing the traditional annual physical renewal process, the new card remains physically valid for half a decade, while the underlying residency status continues to be renewed digitally via the Absher or Muqeem platforms. Delivery is now handled directly through the Wasil postal service to the resident’s registered National Address. Additionally, the Ministry of Human Resources has intensified its skill-based classifications; the registered profession on the Iqama must now strictly align with the expatriate’s actual job role, marking a stricter compliance environment but significantly reducing annual administrative friction for both employers and employees.
