Overview
A work permit is not a procedural formality — it is what makes an expatriate employee's presence lawful and their iqama renewable. Any lapse in the permit reflects immediately on the iqama and can suspend the establishment's services across government platforms.
It is also tied to Nitaqat: your establishment's band (platinum, the green tiers, or red) determines your ability to issue new permits and receive sponsorship transfers. An establishment in the red band effectively cannot hire new expatriates.
Rapture manages your establishment's work permit portfolio: issuing permits for new hires, renewing before expiry, settling the labor levy, and tracking your Saudisation ratio to prevent the establishment slipping into a lower band.
Who is this service for?
- Establishments employing expatriates and needing new work permits
- Establishments with permits approaching expiry
- Establishments struggling in Nitaqat and needing their position addressed
- Companies wanting a single provider for the entire work permit portfolio
Required documents
- Worker's iqama number and registered profession
- Commercial registration and unified establishment number
- Employment contract documented on Qiwa
- Proof of labor levy payment
- Establishment Nitaqat classification data
How the process works
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Review establishment and Nitaqat status
We check your Nitaqat band and current Saudisation ratio, and determine whether new permits can be issued or the position needs addressing first.
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Prepare the request and document the contract
We confirm the employment contract is documented and the registered profession matches, since a profession mismatch between iqama and contract blocks issuance.
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Settle the labor levy
We calculate the levy due for the requested period, settle it, and provide receipts for your accounting records.
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Issue and monitor
We issue the permit through Qiwa and add it to a tracking schedule that flags the renewal date well in advance.
Expected turnaround
One to three working days once conditions are met and the file is clear of suspensions.
Frequently asked questions
How do work permits and iqamas relate?
They are linked: an iqama cannot be renewed without a valid work permit, and a permit is not issued unless the worker's status is lawful. They are therefore usually processed on the same cycle.
What is Nitaqat and how does it affect me?
Nitaqat classifies establishments by their Saudisation ratio. Your band determines your privileges: green and platinum establishments enjoy advantages in issuance and transfers, while red-band establishments are barred from new permits and sponsorship transfers.
What is the labor levy and who pays it?
The labor levy is an annual charge due for each expatriate worker, payable by the employer. The amount varies with establishment size and the ratio of expatriates to Saudi nationals.
What happens if a work permit expires?
Expiry blocks iqama renewal and exposes the establishment to fines and service suspensions. We recommend renewing at least a month before expiry.