Border Number Check: How to Find Your Iqama Number in Saudi Arabia (2026)

Lost track of your Iqama number? Or maybe you’re new to Saudi Arabia and just got your border number but need to find your actual Iqama ID? Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and finding it is actually pretty straightforward once you know where to look!

What’s a Border Number Anyway?

Let’s clear up some confusion first. When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you get a border number at the port of entry. Think of it as your “you just arrived” reference number. It’s temporary and mainly used during your initial entry and Iqama processing.

Your Iqama number, on the other hand, is your permanent 10-digit resident ID that you’ll use for basically everything in Saudi life – opening bank accounts, getting SIM cards, renting apartments, you name it.

The good news? You can use your border number to find out your Iqama number once it’s been issued!

Understanding Your Iqama Card

Before we jump into checking, let’s quickly talk about what you’re looking for.

Your Iqama card contains important details:

• Your full name (in Arabic and English)
• Your photo
• Your nationality
• Date of birth
• Your employer/sponsor information
• And that precious 10-digit Iqama number

Where to Find the Number on Your Card:

• Below your photo, OR
• At the bottom center of the card
• Also on the third line in Arabic numerals

This number is assigned sequentially by Jawazat (the immigration department) when your Iqama is issued.

Video Guide

Method 1: Check Using Border Number (The Main Way)

This is the most direct method if you have your border number and you’re waiting for your Iqama to be processed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Visit the MoL Portal

Go to the Ministry of Labor (MoL) website. This is the official government portal for labor-related services.

Step 2: Accept Terms and Conditions

You’ll see a consent form. Check the “Consent” box showing you agree to the terms, then click the green button to proceed.

Step 3: Enter Your Border Number

Type in your border number carefully. This is the number you received when entering Saudi Arabia.

Step 4: Enter Your Date of Birth

Fill in your date of birth in the format shown on screen.

Step 5: Complete the Captcha

Type the 6-digit verification code displayed. This proves you’re human, not a bot!

Step 6: Click “Next”

Hit that button and let the system search.

Step 7: View Your Results

If your Iqama has been issued, the system displays:

• Your full name
• Gender
• Nationality
• Your Iqama ID number (the one you need!)

What If Nothing Shows Up?

If the system doesn’t display your Iqama number, it usually means:

• Your Iqama hasn’t been issued yet (still processing)
• There’s a typo in what you entered
• The border number you have isn’t correct

Double-check your details and try again. If still nothing, contact your employer – they can check the status with Jawazat.

Method 2: Using Your Passport Number

Already have an Absher account? You can find your Iqama number using your passport number through the Ministry of Interior portal.

Here’s How:

Step 1: Visit MOI Website

Go to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) official website.

Step 2: Log Into Absher

If you have an Absher account:

• Click “Login”
• Enter your username and password
• Complete any verification required

Don’t have an Absher account yet? You’ll need to register first. It’s worth it – Absher is super useful for tons of government services in Saudi Arabia!

Step 3: Navigate to Services

Once logged in, go to the “Services” section.

Step 4: Find Passports Services

Look for the “Inquiries” section, then:

• Find “Passports” services
• Select “Query Iqama Expiry Service” or similar option

Step 5: Enter Passport Number

Type in your passport number in the designated field.

You might also need to enter:

• Your nationality
• Date of birth
• Other verification details

Step 6: Submit and Search

Click “Submit” or “Search”

The system will search its records and display your Iqama details if everything matches!

Pro Tip: Make sure your passport information is current and up-to-date in the system for this method to work smoothly.

Method 3: Ask Your Employer (The Easy Backup)

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Your employer (sponsor/kafeel) has access to all your Iqama information.

Just reach out to:

• Your HR department
• Your sponsor
• Your company’s PRO (Public Relations Officer)

They can provide your Iqama number immediately since they were the ones who processed it for you.

When to Use This Method:

• Online portals aren’t working
• You’re having technical difficulties
• You need the number urgently
• You’re new and haven’t set up online accounts yet

Checking SIM Cards Registered to Your Iqama

Since we’re talking about Iqama numbers, here’s a bonus tip: Did you know you can have up to 2 SIM cards registered under your Iqama in Saudi Arabia?

Want to check how many you currently have? Here’s how:

Through CITC Portal:

Step 1: Visit the CITC (Communications and Information Technology Commission) portal at arqami.citc.gov.sa

Step 2: Select “Inquiry Service”

Step 3: Choose “Individual”

Step 4: Enter:

• Your Iqama number
• Date of birth (Hijri calendar)

Step 5: Mobile Phone Question:

• If you have a mobile: Select “Yes” and enter your number
• If you don’t: Select “No”

Step 6: Type the captcha code

Step 7: Click “Search”

Step 8: Enter the OTP sent to your phone (if you entered a mobile number)

Step 9: View your results showing all SIM cards registered under your Iqama

If you selected “No mobile,” the system shows which cellular companies (STC, Mobily, Zain, etc.) have SIMs registered in your name.

Why is this useful? To make sure no unauthorized SIMs are registered to you, which could cause legal or financial issues!

Common Issues and Solutions

“The System Says My Iqama Isn’t Issued Yet”

Solution: Your Iqama might still be processing. Check with your employer for the current status. Processing times vary but typically take 1-3 weeks after arrival.

“I’m Getting an Error Message”

Possible reasons:

• Typo in border number or passport number
• Date of birth entered in wrong format (Hijri vs. Gregorian)
• System maintenance or temporary issues
• Information mismatch in government records

What to do: Double-check all entries, try again later, or contact MOI helpline for assistance.

“I Lost My Border Number”

Solution:

• Check your entry documents/visa papers
• Ask your employer – they should have it
• Visit the nearest Jawazat office with your passport

“The Website Isn’t Loading”

Try:

• Different browser (Chrome usually works best)
• Clear your browser cache
• Check your internet connection
• Try from a different device
• Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening)

Important Things to Remember

Keep Your Iqama Number Safe: Once you have it, save it somewhere secure. You’ll need it constantly for:

• Opening bank accounts
• Getting SIM cards
• Renting accommodations
• Government services
• Medical services
• Basically everything!

Check Expiry Regularly: Iqama cards expire! Keep track of your expiry date and renew before it lapses to avoid fines and complications.

Update Your Information: If you change employers, your Iqama gets updated. Always verify your current Iqama details after any job changes.

Carry Your Iqama: It’s legally required to carry your Iqama card or at least have your number memorized. Police or authorities might ask for it.

When to Contact Authorities

Contact MOI helpline or visit Jawazat office if:

• You can’t access your information after multiple attempts
• You suspect errors in your Iqama details
• Your Iqama is taking unusually long to process
• You need urgent clarification
• You’re facing legal issues related to your residency

MOI Helpline: Available for resident services and inquiries

Jawazat Office: Visit in person with your passport for direct assistance

Why This Matters

Having your Iqama number isn’t just convenient – it’s essential for your life in Saudi Arabia. Without it, you’re basically stuck. You can’t:

• Get a local phone number
• Open a bank account
• Sign rental agreements
• Access healthcare properly
• Complete most official transactions
• Work legally
• Travel in and out of Saudi

So yeah, finding and memorizing that 10-digit number is pretty important!

Quick Tips

For New Arrivals:

• Save your border number immediately when you get it
• Set up Absher account as soon as possible
• Keep your passport details handy
• Ask your employer for guidance through the process

For Existing Residents:

• Set Iqama expiry reminders on your phone
• Keep a photo of your Iqama card in your phone (secure folder!)
• Memorize your Iqama number
• Check SIM registrations periodically

For Everyone:

• Bookmark the MoL and MOI portals
• Save helpline numbers in your contacts
• Keep physical and digital copies of important documents
• Stay updated on regulation changes

Final Thoughts

Finding your Iqama number through your border number is straightforward once you know the process. The Saudi government has actually made it pretty easy with their online portals – no need to stand in long queues or make multiple office visits.

Whether you use the MoL portal with your border number, the MOI portal with your passport number, or just ask your employer, you have options. Pick whatever works best for your situation.

And once you have that Iqama number? Guard it like gold. You’ll be using it multiple times a day for years to come!

Quick Reference

Check by Border Number: MoL Portal (Ministry of Labor website)

Check by Passport: Absher Portal (MOI website)

Check by Asking: Your employer/sponsor/HR department

Required Info: Border number OR Passport number + Date of birth

Processing Time: Iqama typically issued 1-3 weeks after arrival

Iqama Format: 10-digit number

SIM Card Limit: Maximum 2 per Iqama

Check SIMs: CITC portal (arqami.citc.gov.sa)

Carry Always: Your Iqama card or know your number by heart

Renewal: Check expiry date regularly!

Good luck, and welcome to Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦

Helpful Links:

Makkah Bus Route: Your Complete Guide to Navigating the Holy City

Riyadh Postal Code: Your Complete Guide to الرمز البريدي الرياض

Saudi Arabia Postal Code: Complete Guide to ZIP Codes in All Cities (2025)

How to Check STC Balance in Saudi Arabia: Quick & Easy Methods

How to Check How Many SIMs Are Registered on My Iqama (2025 Guide)