It is expected that Muqeem cards (meaning a resident in Arabic), will have no expiry date printed on them. While work and residency permits will have to be renewed annually in line with the existing procedures, Muqeem card holders should not be required to have the cards physically re-issued every year.

Personal data recorded on the card will include a photograph, the applicant's name, nationality, religion, occupation, work permit number and the employer's name (if applicable).

From 17 August 2015, company representatives can no longer collect Iqamas in person, as original cards are sent to a company's PO Box through the Wasel service. New Resident Identity Cards will be delivered to residents in the same way.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

This change reduces the need for company representatives to visit the Immigration Office (Jawazat) for the issuing or renewal of residency permits.