South African Expats

Your iqama (residence permit) lets you live, work and bank in Saudi Arabia, and an exit re-entry visa lets you visit South Africa and come back. For employees, the employer applies for both, but the dates are yours to watch.

• Your employer renews your iqama. Renewal goes through the Muqeem portal and is the employer's legal responsibility. Check the expiry date in the Absher app and remind HR at least a month before it runs out.

• Get the exit re-entry visa before you fly. Work visa holders get it from their employer through Muqeem or Absher Business, and family members through their sponsor's Absher account. Check that it shows as issued in Absher before you head to the airport.

• Come back before it expires. If you cannot return in time, your employer would need to apply for an extension. Otherwise you may need a new work visa to return.

• Keep your passport valid. Renew it before it expires; the embassy of South Africa can tell you how renewal works from Saudi Arabia. Once you have the new passport, your employer or sponsor updates its details with Jawazat.

The local currency in South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR). When you compare ways to send money from Saudi Arabia, look at how much arrives in ZAR, not just the transfer fee.

• Compare the full cost. A low or zero fee can come with a weaker exchange rate, so the amount that arrives is the number to compare.

• Use a licensed provider. Send money through a bank or a transfer company licensed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Informal transfer channels are illegal in Saudi Arabia and offer no protection if money goes missing.

• Keep your iqama valid. Banks and transfer apps check it, and an expired iqama can restrict your account until it is renewed.

• Set a budget first. Knowing your rent, bills and everyday costs makes it easier to decide how much you can send home each month.

Connecting with fellow South Africans makes settling in easier. These are good places to start.

• Your embassy. The embassy of South Africa in Riyadh provides consular services, including guidance on renewing a passport while you live in Saudi Arabia.

• Community groups. Ask colleagues, or post in the community forum, to find South African community groups and events in your city.

• Where to live. Popular cities for South Africans include Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Compare neighborhoods before you sign a lease.