Correcting your name on your Iqama is crucial because even a small spelling mistake can cause problems with bank accounts, SIM cards, medical insurance, Absher services, travel bookings, and official government transactions. The good news is that Saudi Arabia now allows Iqama name correction online through Absher and your sponsor’s digital services. This guide explains the full process, required documents, rules, overview tables, and FAQs in a detailed 800-word format.
Overview Table: Iqama Name Correction at a Glance
| Category | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Request | Sponsor or Employer | Expats cannot request directly |
| Online Platform | Absher Business or Muqeem | Sponsor access only |
| Required Documents | Passport copy, Iqama copy, request letter | Must match passport exactly |
| Correction Time | 1–7 working days | Depends on Jawazat approval |
| Fee | Usually free | Some sponsors may charge service fee |
| Where It Is Updated | Jawazat, Absher, Banks, Insurance | Auto-updated after approval |
Why Iqama Name Correction Is Important
Your Iqama name must match the name in your passport exactly. Even a small spelling error or missing middle name can cause issues such as:
- Bank account freezing or rejection
- SIM card registration failure
- Travel or immigration issues at airports
- Problems renewing Iqama
- Absher account mismatch
- Difficulty with medical insurance or HR systems
Because the Iqama serves as your primary ID in Saudi Arabia, correcting any mistake is essential for smooth daily life and compliance.
Reasons You May Need Iqama Name Correction
Common reasons for requesting a name correction include:
- Spelling mistakes during Iqama issuance
- Missing middle or last name
- Incorrect arrangement (first name swapped with last name)
- Typographical errors from agent or company
- Name updated after passport renewal
- Special characters removed or mismatched
- Children registered with incorrect birth names
Any of these can be corrected online as long as the supporting documents match.
Who Can Request Iqama Name Correction
While expatriates cannot initiate the correction themselves, it can be done by:
- Your employer
- Company HR department
- Your sponsor (for dependents)
- Authorized representative with Absher Business access
They must initiate the request through Absher Business or the Muqeem portal.
How to Correct Iqama Name Online (Step-by-Step)
Iqama name corrections are done through two main systems: Absher Business and Muqeem.
Method 1: Through Absher Business (Most Common)
- Sponsor logs into Absher Business
- Chooses Services from the main menu
- Selects Workers Services
- Clicks Update Resident Information
- Enters Iqama number of the expat
- Edits the name fields exactly as shown in the passport
- Uploads required documents (passport copy, request letter if needed)
- Submits the request for Jawazat approval
If Jawazat approves, the new name appears on the Iqama digital card in Absher within a few days.
Method 2: Through Muqeem Portal
Some companies use Muqeem for residency updates.
Steps include:
- Sponsor logs into the Muqeem system
- Searches for your Iqama record
- Updates Arabic and English names
- Uploads passport copy
- Sends request to Jawazat for verification
Once accepted, the change reflects across all government databases.
Required Documents for Name Correction
Sponsors must upload or provide these documents:
- Passport copy (first page)
- Current Iqama copy
- Old passport copy (if changes happened after renewal)
- Company or sponsor request letter addressed to Jawazat
- Filled correction form (if requested)
The name must match exactly as printed in the passport to be approved.
How Long Does Name Correction Take?
Typically:
- Standard correction: 24–72 hours
- Corrections involving major name changes: 3–7 working days
- Corrections requiring local Jawazat office visit: up to 1 week
The digital update appears first in Absher, then in bank systems and medical insurance.
Can You Correct Your Name Yourself?
No. Expatriates cannot submit a name correction online through their own Absher account. It must be done through the employer’s Absher Business account or via Muqeem.
However, dependents can be corrected by the main sponsor using their personal Absher account.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a name that does not match the passport
- Using abbreviations instead of full names
- Typing name in lowercase (Arabic must be correct too)
- Uploading unclear passport images
- Using different name order (e.g., First Middle Last vs Last First Middle)
These mistakes cause delays or rejections from Jawazat.
What Happens After the Name Is Corrected?
When Jawazat approves the correction, updates are automatically pushed to:
- Absher digital Iqama
- Banks and financial institutions
- Telecom providers
- Health insurance systems
- MOL, Qiwa, and employer systems
If the physical Iqama card has the old name, you can request a reprint, though the digital card is considered the official ID.
Name Correction for Dependents
Parents or guardians can correct dependent names by:
- Logging into their Absher personal account
- Selecting Family Members Services
- Choosing Update Dependent Information
- Uploading the passport copy
- Submitting for approval
This process is usually faster than worker name corrections.
Final Thoughts
Iqama name correction online is an essential process to avoid service disruptions and identity mismatches. With the digital systems Absher Business and Muqeem, sponsors can update names quickly and efficiently without visiting Jawazat. Always ensure your passport name is correct and matches your Iqama exactly. Even a single letter difference can cause major issues.
Completing this correction early ensures access to banking, mobile services, travel, insurance, and government portals without delays or rejections.
Best One-Line FAQs
1. Can I correct my Iqama name myself?
No, only your sponsor or employer can submit a name correction request.
2. How long does Iqama name correction take?
Usually between 1 and 7 working days depending on the type of correction.
3. What documents are needed?
A passport copy, Iqama copy, and sponsor request letter are required.