How to Check Iqama Color Status (Red, Green, Nitaqat) in Saudi Arabia – Complete 2026 Guide
If you are an expatriate living or working in Saudi Arabia, knowing how to check Iqama Color Status is not optional — it is essential for your legal safety, job security, and future planning.
Your Iqama color (Red, Green, or Excluded) reflects your employer’s Nitaqat (Saudization) compliance, which directly affects:
- Iqama renewal
- Sponsorship transfer rights
- Job title changes
- Visa eligibility
- Legal stay in the Kingdom
This fully updated 2026 guide explains how to check Iqama color status online, what each Nitaqat color means, and what actions you should take — written clearly for expats, not lawyers.
Check Iqama Color Status (Red, Green, Nitaqat)
The only official method to check your Iqama color status is via the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development (MHRSD) portal.
This system shows whether your employer is compliant with Saudi Saudization laws.
✔ Requirements
You need one of the following:
- Iqama Number
- Border Number
- Passport Number
- Nationality
Related: Where can I find my Border Number?
⚠️ Domestic workers and dependents cannot be checked, as they are not registered under Nitaqat.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Iqama Color Status Online
- Open the official updated inquiry page:
https://es.hrsd.gov.sa/services/inquiry/nonsaudiempinquiry.aspx - Enter any of your information Iqama / Border / Passport Number
- Complete the captcha
- Click Search
- Green
- Red
- مستبعد (Excluded)
What Is Iqama Color & Nitaqat System?
The Nitaqat program was introduced in 2011 to increase employment of Saudi nationals by regulating foreign labor.
It is managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Companies are evaluated based on:
- Industry type
- Company size
- Number of Saudi vs expat employees
Your Iqama color reflects your employer’s Nitaqat status.
Complete Nitaqat Color Levels (Updated)
Internally, Saudi authorities classify companies into five Nitaqat performance levels, though expats usually see simplified results.
| Nitaqat Level | Meaning | Impact on Expats |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Excellent Saudization | Safest employers |
| High Green | Strong compliance | Full privileges |
| Medium Green | Acceptable | Stable |
| Low Green | Minimum compliance | Risky |
| Red | Non-compliant | High risk |
📌 Public portals may only show Green or Red, but sub-levels matter internally.
🟢 Green Category – What It Means for You
A Green Iqama status means your employer meets Saudization targets.
✅ Benefits of Green Nitaqat
- Iqama renewal allowed
- Profession change permitted
- New visas allowed
- Sponsorship transfer possible
- Business expansion enabled
📌 Green = legal stability for expats
🔴 Red Category – Serious Warning for Expats
If your Iqama color status shows Red, your employer has failed Saudization requirements.
❌ What Red Companies Cannot Do
- Renew Iqamas
- Issue new work visas
- Change job titles
- Transfer employees from others
- Open new branches
✅ What YOU Can Do
- Transfer sponsorship without employer permission
- Move to any Green or Platinum company
- Protect your legal stay
📌 Saudi labor law favors employees, not non-compliant employers.
🟡 Yellow Category – Official Update
⚠️ Yellow Nitaqat category was abolished on January 26, 2020.
All Yellow companies were moved to Red.
If any website still mentions Yellow, the information is outdated.
⚪ مستبعد (Excluded) – Is It Safe?
If your Iqama color status shows مستبعد, it means:
- Employer has fewer than 6 employees
- Nitaqat rules do not apply
- Treated similar to Green category
✔️ This status is safe for expats.
Can You Check Iqama Color on Absher or MOI?
Many people search for Iqama color status on:
- Absher
- Ministry of Interior
Answer is: No
Neither Absher nor MOI provides Iqama color or Nitaqat status.
Only MHRSD (Official Website) is official.
Real-Life Tips Every Expat Should Know
- Always check Iqama color before accepting a job to avoid any inconvenience
- Re-check before contract renewal
- Screenshot your status for records
- Red status often leads to salary delays and other inconveniences
- Don’t wait for the Iqama expiry to act
Common Mistakes Expats Make
- Trusting the employer verbally
- Confusing Absher services with MOL, and don’t check the employer status
- Ignoring Low-Green risk
- Waiting too long to transfer
- Believing outdated Yellow info
FAQs – Iqama Color Status
1. Can I transfer sponsorship if my company is Red?
Yes. You can transfer without employer permission.
2. Is Excluded status bad?
No. It is treated like Green.
3. Can domestic workers check the Iqama color?
No. They are not registered under Nitaqat.
4. Is Yellow Nitaqat still valid?
No. It was abolished in 2020.
5. Which website is official?
Only check with the Official Website.
6. Does Green guarantee job security?
It offers stability, but always monitor the company’s status.
