The Indian Consulate has advised all Indians under its jurisdiction to have valid visa or residency permit (iqama) for their entire period of stay in the Kingdom.
In case they do not have this, they have been urged to either get their visa extended or iqama renewed at the earliest, Dr. Irshad Ahmad, consul, press, information and culture, said, adding that they should carry a copy of such extension application with them to prove their intent in case of any kind of checking.
In case they face any difficulty in getting their visa extended or iqama renewed, they should register with the consulate for fingerprinting in Tarheel for exit stamping.
The consulate has advised them to work only with their sponsors in the same profession as mentioned in the work visa or iqama.
In case their actual profession and profession mentioned in the work visa or iqama are not same, they should ask their sponsors to get it rectified at the earliest.
If their actual sponsor is not giving them work, they should ask him or her to process their final exit or release for sponsor transfer. In case of any difficulty, they should approach the Labor Wing of the consulate.
If the sponsor is ready to process the final exit, they should ensure that the sponsor (or they themselves) not only gets the final exit stamp but also deposits the iqama card physically with the authorities concerned before leaving the country, failing which they may be denied exit.
The consulate cautioned Indians against unscrupulous agents who were offering services including change of sponsorship, exit stamping, and new passports for a hefty fee. It said that that most of these agents are fraudulent and due caution should be taken while dealing with them. In case of any difficulty or doubt, you should approach consulate officials, the consulate said.
Indian Consulate issues advisory on iqama validity
