Iqama or residence permit is a very important documents for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia. This document must always be brought everytime an OFW go out or wherever they will go in Saudi Arabia. Failure to bring an iqama may cause the following:

• If you are a first-time violator, you will be fined SR1,000

• If you are a second-time offender, you will be fined SR2,000

• If you are a third-time offender, you will be fined SR3,000.

In cases where an expat's dependents, such as the children and wife engage in work or businesses without permits, they will be fined the same amount but the police department will then make a proposal of deportation to the Ministry of Interior. Expatriates living in Saudi with expired work and visit visas would be subjected to imprisonment, penalty and deportation.

Expats who offer shelter to overstaying expats will not be spared, too. This is because they may also face cancellation of visa and deportation.

So to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) working in Saudi, always carry your iqama when you roam around Saudi to avoid fines or worse, imprisonment. Iqamas also need to be renewed every year so better bear in mind the schedule of your iqama renewal.