7 Shocking Reasons Maqtab Amal Can Block Your Iqama

Maqtab Amal — also known as the Saudi Labor Office — plays a vital but often overlooked role in the life of every expatriate worker living in Saudi Arabia. While most expats focus on their Iqama (residence permit), many are unaware that behind every Iqama approval, renewal, or transfer is an important clearance process handled by Maqtab Amal.

Whether you’re renewing your Iqama, switching jobs, or facing a delay in services, there’s a good chance the issue is tied to this office. Understanding how Maqtab Amal connects with your work status and legal stay can save you time, avoid penalties, and help you make informed decisions during your stay in the Kingdom.

What Is Maqtab Amal?

Maqtab Amal (Arabic: مكتب العمل) is the official Labor Office under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia. Its primary role is to regulate employment-related matters between employers and employees, especially when it comes to expatriate workers.

This office handles a wide range of responsibilities, such as:

Issuing and renewing work permits Approving sponsorship transfers (Naqal Kafala) Resolving labor disputes Monitoring labor law compliance

For foreign workers, Maqtab Amal is the first gatekeeper before services like Iqama issuance, renewal, or transfer can even reach Jawazat (Passport Office). In simple terms, if your work permit isn’t active or approved by Maqtab Amal, your Iqama status can be blocked — even if you meet all other conditions.

That’s why it’s important not to think of Iqama as a standalone document. It’s always paired with a valid Tasreeh Amal (work permit), which is managed through Maqtab Amal.

Role of Maqtab Amal in Iqama Issuance

When a foreign worker first arrives in Saudi Arabia, the Iqama (residence permit) is not issued automatically. It requires a valid work permit, which must be approved and processed through the Labor Office.

Here’s how it works:

1. 1 – Employer Applies for Work Authorization

   Before an Iqama can be issued, your employer must apply for a Tasreeh Amal (work permit) at the Labor Office. This confirms that the job offer and profession are approved under Saudi labor laws.

2. 2 – Payment of the Work Permit Fee

   Employers are required to pay an annual fee, typically around SAR 9,600 per year (depending on company size and Nitaqat status). Without this payment, the work permit won’t be activated.

3. 3 – Work Permit + Medical + Insurance → Iqama

   Only after the Labor Office approves the work permit — and the worker completes the required medical test and health insurance — can the employer go to Jawazat to issue the Iqama.

If your work permit is not approved, the Iqama cannot be issued. Even if the visa is stamped and you are in the country, the process will be stuck at the Labor Office stage.

This makes Maqtab Amal the first and most critical step in getting legal residency for work in Saudi Arabia. It’s not just a formality — it’s the core approval your Iqama depends on.

Iqama Renewal – Why You Need Maqtab Amal Clearance

Renewing your Iqama might seem like a simple task — but in reality, it depends heavily on whether your employer has fulfilled certain requirements at Maqtab Amal.

Work Permit Renewal Comes First

Renewing your Iqama might seem like a routine task — but in reality, it depends heavily on whether your employer has completed a few important steps with the Labor Office.

Work Permit Renewal Comes First

Before your residency can be extended through Absher or Muqeem, your employer must first renew your work authorization. This involves multiple factors:

• Paying the work permit fee through the Labor Office portal
• Maintaining a valid Nitaqat (Saudization) status
• Renewing your health insurance and updating required data

Without these steps, the system won’t allow your Iqama to be renewed — no matter how close you are to the expiry date. It’s essential that your sponsor or HR department completes the renewal process properly at the Labor Office level before proceeding with Jawazat.

If the required work permit is not renewed on time, the Jawazat system will block the Iqama renewal process entirely. Even if all other documents are valid, the system checks for an active work authorization first.

⚠️ “Cannot renew Iqama. Work permit expired.”

This message typically appears when your employer hasn’t completed the necessary steps at the Labor Office — such as paying the renewal fee or updating the company’s compliance status. Without these approvals, your Iqama will remain pending, and you risk falling into an illegal status.

Maqtab Amal Work Permit Fee Structure

Work Permit Fee Structure in Saudi Arabia

The standard annual fee for a Saudi work permit is SAR 9,600, but employers now have flexible options to match various employment durations:

Duration	Fee (SAR)	Use Case
Monthly	SAR 800	Short-term, contract jobs
Quarterly (3 mo)	SAR 2,400	Probation or seasonal workers
Semi-Annual (6 mo)	SAR 4,800	Temporary employment
Annually (12 mo)	SAR 9,600	Standard for full-time workers

📝 Note: These fees are the employer’s responsibility. Actual rates may vary depending on Nitaqat status or if any government exemptions apply.

Online Payment Isn’t Always Final Approval

Sometimes, companies make the fee payment online but fail to complete the full process. If the final approval isn’t confirmed within the Labor Office system, the Iqama will remain blocked.

⚠️ Don’t assume payment equals confirmation — always check the status in the government system.

he Ministry of Labor portal. This results in delays or rejections in the Iqama renewal — even when the fee appears paid.

Delay or Error? Maqtab Amal Must Be Contacted

If your Iqama renewal is blocked due to an issue, visiting or contacting Maqtab Amal directly is often the only solution.

Maqtab Amal clearance is mandatory for Iqama renewal.
Even if your documents and payments are ready, without a valid work permit approved through Maqtab Amal, the system won’t allow renewal — and this could risk your legal stay in Saudi Arabia.

Iqama Transfer & Sponsorship Change (Naqal Kafala)

Changing employers in Saudi Arabia — a process known as Naqal Kafala — is a big step, and Maqtab Amal is the central authority that handles this transfer. Without their approval, no Iqama transfer can take place, even if both the old and new employers agree.

When Is Sponsorship Transfer Needed?

You need to apply for Naqal Kafala if:

• You are changing your job within the private sector
• Your employer gives consent (or if you meet legal conditions for transfer without consent)
• You’re shifting from one sponsor to another due to contract completion, non-payment, or labor violations

Maqtab Amal’s Role in Naqal Kafala

Here’s how Maqtab Amal is involved:

1. Receives the transfer request via the Qiwa portal
2. Validates eligibility based on labor law (contract duration, salary issues, etc.)
3. Confirms company compliance, including:
   • Nitaqat category of both companies
   • Valid commercial licenses
   • Payment of the work permit fee for the transfer
4. Issues approval, after which the transfer can be completed in Absher or Muqeem

Why Transfers Get Rejected:

Maqtab Amal may reject transfer requests due to:

• Incomplete documents
• Old sponsor in green/platinum Nitaqat refusing approval
• Active labor disputes
• Violations filed against either employer
• Outstanding government fees (like work permit or insurance)

Transfer Without Kafeel’s Consent

Under new labor reforms, expats may transfer without the sponsor’s approval if:

• The sponsor fails to pay salary for 3+ months
• The worker has not been provided a valid Iqama for 3 months
• Contract has expired and not renewed
  These cases are still processed and confirmed through Maqtab Amal and Qiwa.

Labor Violations That Affect Your Iqama

Many expatriates are surprised when their Iqama renewal, transfer, or services suddenly stop working — and often, the reason is a labor violation reported or recorded at Maqtab Amal.

Whether it’s an issue with the employer or a claim against the worker, Maqtab Amal plays a key role in handling these violations, which directly impact your Iqama status.

Common Violations That Block Iqama Services

Violation Type	Impact on Iqama
Salary delays (3+ months)	Worker can request transfer without Kafeel’s consent
Expired or invalid work permit	Iqama renewal is blocked
Absconding (Huroob) report	Iqama becomes invalid; risk of arrest/deportation
Contract breach or dispute	Transfer/renewal delayed until issue is resolved
Company in Red Nitaqat category	No new Iqama or transfer allowed

Filing a Complaint at Maqtab Amal

If you’re facing abuse, unpaid wages, or contract violations, you can file a complaint at Maqtab Amal either:

• In person at the nearest Labor Office
• Online through the MOL complaint portal

You’ll usually need to provide:

• Iqama number
• Employer/sponsor details
• Evidence (if possible): screenshots, salary slips, etc.

After filing, Maqtab Amal may:

• Mediate between you and your employer
• Suspend Iqama or work permit services
• Approve transfer or cancellation of sponsorship

Tip: Always Check Your Status Online

Use the Ministry of Labor (MOL) or Qiwa platform to track if there are any active complaints or violations linked to your Iqama or employer.

Checking Your Maqtab Amal and Iqama Status Online

In today’s digital system, most of your Iqama and Maqtab Amal records can be checked online — which helps you stay updated, avoid surprises, and take action early if something goes wrong.

Whether you’re checking your work permit status, renewal eligibility, or transfer progress, here are the official platforms to use:

1. Ministry of Labor Portal (MOL)

You can check your work permit status via the Ministry of Labor’s online system.

Steps:

1. Visit: https://www.mol.gov.sa
2. Go to “خدمات الاستعلام” (Inquiry Services)
3. Enter your Iqama number
4. Choose nationality and verification code
5. Click search to see permit status and company info

2. Qiwa Platform

For transfers, labor contracts, and employer compliance, Qiwa is the main platform used by Maqtab Amal.

Use Qiwa to:

• Track Naqal Kafala (transfer) requests
• See your contract status
• Know if your employer is eligible to renew your permit

🔗 Visit: https://www.qiwa.sa

3. Absher & Muqeem Portals

While these are Jawazat systems, they are linked with Maqtab Amal. If your Iqama renewal or transfer is blocked, the error shown usually originates from a Maqtab Amal issue.

Common Error Messages:

• “Work permit expired”
• “Labor office fees unpaid”
• “Company status not eligible”

Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Checking your status online via MOL, Qiwa, and Absher helps you fix issues early, especially those related to Maqtab Amal approvals or blocks.

Common Problems & How to Solve Them

Even when your documents seem in order, Maqtab Amal-related issues can suddenly block your Iqama renewal or transfer. These problems are more common than people think — and the good news is, many of them can be fixed if you know what to do.

🔹 Problem 1: “Work Permit Expired” Message

Cause: Your employer did not renew your work permit through Maqtab Amal.

Solution:

• Ask your employer to check the Qiwa or MOL portal
• Ensure the Maqtab Amal fee is paid
• Confirm that the system reflects the updated permit

🔹 Problem 2: Employer Didn’t Pay Maqtab Amal Fee

Cause: Your company delayed or skipped paying the work permit fee, blocking your Iqama renewal.

Solution:

• Employer must log in to Qiwa or MOL and pay the required fee
• Make sure they complete the renewal process after payment

🔹 Problem 3: Iqama Transfer Request Rejected

Cause: Maqtab Amal may reject the transfer if:

• The old sponsor is in green/platinum and didn’t approve
• Labor rules weren’t followed
• Company status is not eligible

Solution:

• Review eligibility on Qiwa
• File a complaint with Maqtab Amal if you’re eligible for transfer without consent
• Request assistance at the Labor Office if it’s a system issue

🔹 Problem 4: Active Labor Violation or Dispute

Cause: There’s a complaint or case linked to your name or your company at Maqtab Amal.

Solution:

• Visit the Labor Office or check status on Qiwa/MOL
• Resolve the dispute with your employer or through legal mediation
• Once cleared, re-apply for renewal or transfer

🔹 Problem 5: System Errors Between Portals

Sometimes, information isn’t synced correctly between Maqtab Amal, Qiwa, and Jawazat systems.

Solution:

• Ask your employer to refresh contract data on Qiwa
• Visit the Maqtab Amal office with a printed screenshot of the error
• Wait 24–48 hours after making corrections

✅ In Short:

Many Iqama issues come down to simple Maqtab Amal problems: unpaid fees, expired permits, or system mismatches. The faster these are caught and fixed, the smoother your renewal or transfer will be.

Here is the final section (Section 9) of your article:

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Final Thoughts – Why You Should Stay Informed

In Saudi Arabia, many expats think that managing their Iqama is just about visiting Jawazat or checking Absher — but the truth is, Maqtab Amal is where everything starts.

From issuing your first work permit, to renewing your Iqama, to changing sponsors or resolving disputes, Maqtab Amal is deeply connected to every step of your legal work status in the Kingdom.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Always make sure your work permit is active before renewing your Iqama
• Check your status online using Qiwa or MOL regularly
• If there’s a delay, start by checking Maqtab Amal — not Jawazat
• Communicate with your employer about fee payments, system issues, or violations
• Know your rights when it comes to transfers and complaints

🧠 Final Tip:

Even small issues like a missed payment or system delay can block your Iqama renewal — and that can lead to fines or deportation if left unresolved. Staying aware of your Maqtab Amal status is not just useful — it’s necessary.