If you are a job seeker from Pakistan planning to work in Saudi Arabia, or you are already working there, you may have heard about platforms like Absher, Muqeem, and Qiwa. These are official Saudi government systems designed to help manage workers’ records, visas, work permits, and other legal matters.
At first, these platforms might seem confusing because they are all connected to labor, visas, and residency services. But each one has a different purpose. Knowing how these systems work can help you stay legal, protect your rights, and avoid trouble while living and working in Saudi Arabia.
This blog will explain, in simple words, what Absher, Muqeem, and Qiwa do. You will understand how these systems are connected, what they offer, and which one to use for specific needs.
Why Are These Platforms Important?
Saudi Arabia is very strict about rules for foreigners who work and live there. Every worker must have:
- A valid Iqama (residency permit)
- A legal work visa
- Up-to-date records with the government
These platforms help both the government and workers manage everything in a proper and legal way. If your paperwork is wrong or expired, you could face fines, job loss, or even deportation.
That’s why it’s important to understand these systems clearly.
What is Absher?
Absher is a government platform for individuals living in Saudi Arabia.
It is mainly used by Saudi citizens and foreign residents to manage personal services. Think of Absher as a one-stop shop for many government-related services.
Who uses Absher?
- Saudi citizens
- Expats with Iqama (foreign workers)
- Employers (to handle some paperwork for workers)
What services does Absher offer?
Absher offers more than 160 services, including:
- Renewing Iqama (residency permit)
- Exit and re-entry visa issuance
- Final exit visa issuance
- Updating personal information
- Checking traffic fines
- Booking appointments (passport, traffic police, civil affairs)
- Reporting lost documents
- Checking Huroob (runaway status)
- Changing profession details
Why is Absher important?
Absher connects your personal information to the Saudi government’s system. It helps you keep track of your residency status, visas, and legal documents. If your Absher account shows something wrong, you must fix it quickly.
How to use Absher?
1. Register an account online (absher.sa).
2. Activate your account through your bank or Jawazat (passport office).
3. Log in and use services through your dashboard.
What is Muqeem?
Muqeem is a platform used mainly by companies and employers.
Employers use Muqeem to manage the Iqama and visa status of their foreign workers. While workers themselves don’t use Muqeem directly, it’s good to know how it works.
Who uses Muqeem?
- HR departments of companies
- Sponsoring companies
- Recruitment agencies
- Government authorities
What services does Muqeem offer?
- Checking Iqama status
- Verifying exit/re-entry visa validity
- Tracking workers’ travel history
- Issuing new exit/re-entry visas
- Printing Iqama information
- Confirming health insurance status
- Managing reports about employees’ legal status
Why is Muqeem important?
It allows companies to make sure all their foreign workers are legal, healthy, and up to date on documentation. If something is wrong with your Iqama, the issue often starts from your employer’s Muqeem account.
How does Muqeem help workers indirectly?
When your employer updates your Iqama, visa, or medical insurance through Muqeem, it reflects on your records in Absher. This keeps your legal status active.
What is Qiwa?
Qiwa is a platform focused on labor relations and workers’ rights.
Qiwa is managed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). It deals with labor contracts, job transfers, Saudization rules, and workforce data.
Who uses Qiwa?
- Employers
- Employees (expats and Saudis)
- Recruitment agencies
What services does Qiwa offer?
- Digitally signing work contracts
- Requesting job transfers (changing sponsor/company)
- Checking Nitaqat (Saudization) status of companies
- Labor market information and statistics
- Managing employee records
- Issuing work permits
- Tracking your contract details
Why is Qiwa important?
Qiwa gives workers more transparency and protection. For example, if you want to change jobs in Saudi Arabia, your employer and the new company will process it through Qiwa. It also ensures contracts are clear, fair, and legally binding.
How can workers benefit directly from Qiwa?
- Review and approve your contract online.
- Track the status of your transfer if changing jobs.
- Verify your work rights.
- Ensure your employer complies with Saudi labor laws.
How to access Qiwa?
1. Register through the Qiwa website (qiwa.sa).
2. Log in with your Absher account credentials.
3. Access your employment details and contract.
Quick Comparison: Absher vs Muqeem vs Qiwa
Feature Absher Muqeem Qiwa
Users Citizens, Expats, Employers Employers, Government Employers, Workers, Government
Purpose Personal services, residency, visas Manage workers’ legal status Manage labor rights, contracts
Focus Residency, traffic, visas Iqama, visas, health insurance Work permits, job transfers
Access Direct access for individuals Only employers access Both workers and employers use
Key Role Maintain your personal records Ensure your Iqama/legal status Protect labor rights, Saudization
Website absher.sa muqeem.sa qiwa.sa
When Should You Use Each Platform?
Action Platform to Use
Renewing Iqama Absher / Muqeem
Checking Iqama status Absher / Muqeem
Issuing exit/re-entry visa Absher / Muqeem
Changing employer (job transfer) Qiwa
Signing a work contract Qiwa
Checking traffic fines Absher
Booking Jawazat appointment Absher
Reporting Huroob (runaway status) Absher
Confirming health insurance validity Muqeem
How These Platforms Work Together?
1. Muqeem updates legal status.
Your employer uses Muqeem to handle your Iqama and visa.
2. Absher reflects those updates.
You see your status on Absher and use it for personal services.
3. Qiwa manages your job relationship.
Your employer uses Qiwa to manage contracts, transfers, and Saudization compliance.
Why Understanding These Platforms Matters for Workers?
If you don’t understand how these platforms work, you might:
- Miss important deadlines (Iqama renewal, visas)
- Accept unfair contracts without knowing your rights
- Stay stuck in a job you want to leave
- Be unaware of your residency status
Knowledge gives you confidence and protects you from exploitation.
How Marfa Overseas Can Help Pakistani Job Seekers in Using These Platforms?
At Marfa Overseas, we help Pakistani job seekers and workers navigate these platforms safely and correctly. We work only with licensed, ethical employers who follow Saudi labor laws and use Absher, Muqeem, and Qiwa properly.
We guide you on:
- Iqama and visa processes
- Work contract verification
- Legal job transfers through Qiwa
- Understanding your rights and obligations in Saudi Arabia
With Marfa Overseas, you can be sure your career journey to Saudi Arabia is safe, legal, and well-managed.
Final Thoughts
Absher, Muqeem, and Qiwa may sound complicated at first, but each platform has its own clear purpose. Together, they help ensure that both employers and employees follow Saudi Arabia’s laws properly.
- Absher helps you manage your personal legal status and services.
- Muqeem helps employers manage workers’ visas and Iqama.
- Qiwa protects labor rights and manages work contracts.
Understanding these tools will help you live and work in Saudi Arabia with confidence and peace of mind.
