The Border Number: What It Is and How to Use It in Saudi Arabia
The Border Number is a unique identifier linked to your visa. It consists of 10 digits and always starts with the number 3 or 4. It is officially recognized in Saudi Arabia as the first legal identification tool granted to a foreign national upon lawful entry into the country. This number — exclusive to each individual — can be retrieved through various channels, including online platforms like Absher, or through alternative non-Absher methods.
In this article, we’ll explore what this unique visa number is, how to inquire about it through different platforms, and the conditions for its issuance.
What is the Border Number?
The Border Number, also known as the Unique Number, is a 10-digit number assigned to non-Gulf expatriates upon entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time through land, sea, or air ports. This number is used for several official procedures within the Kingdom, including:
Residence permit (Iqama) issuance
Temporary banking transactions
Health insurance enrollment
What Are the Uses of the Border Number?
The Border Number is required for completing many government transactions for expatriates, including:
Issuing Iqama: A mandatory requirement to obtain a resident ID for a new expat.
Inquiries into government services: Such as visa status, violations, and health insurance, using platforms like Absher and Muqeem.
Registration on Qiwa platform and labor systems: Often needed when the expat is linked to a sponsor or company.
Health Insurance: Used to link the medical insurance policy prior to issuing the Iqama.
Registration with official authorities: Like the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority if the expat works in a regulated sector.
This highlights that the Border Number is the primary and most crucial identifier for issuing residence permits to expatriates in Saudi Arabia.
Conditions for Issuing a Border Number
The Border Number is generated automatically when the expat enters Saudi Arabia legally through official entry points. The key conditions and steps are:
Non-Gulf Nationals: Citizens of GCC countries are exempt and do not receive a Border Number.
Legal Entry: Entry into Saudi Arabia must be official and compliant with immigration laws.
Valid Visa: The individual must enter with a valid visa (e.g., Umrah, Visit, or Work visa).
Passport Stamping: Once the passport is stamped at entry, the expat’s data is recorded, and the Border Number is issued.
Hence, obtaining the Border Number is a standard and routine process for legal and compliant entry into Saudi Arabia.
Does the Border Number Change When Exiting the Kingdom?
Yes, the Border Number changes if the expat leaves Saudi Arabia on a final exit visa. A new number will be issued upon re-entry with a new visa. However, if the individual exits and returns on the same Iqama or visa, the number remains unchanged.
How to Inquire About the Border Number
Using Absher (for individuals):
Log in to the Absher platform.
Select Absher Individuals and enter your login credentials.
Go to “My Services” → Inquiries.
Choose Border Number Inquiry.
Enter your passport number and nationality, then click Submit.
Your Border Number details will be displayed.
Using Absher Business (for employers):
If you’re an employer, log in to Absher Business and use the passport services to inquire about an employee’s Border Number. If the number isn’t found, you can use the Muqeem platform or visit the General Directorate of Passports.
Inquiring via Muqeem Platform
If you’re having issues with Absher, you can use Muqeem:
Visit the Muqeem platform.
Select Border Number Inquiry.
Enter the passport number and nationality.
Click Submit.
You will see the Border Number registered with the passport office.
This is a great alternative for expatriates who can’t access Absher or prefer another official channel.
What If the Border Number Is Incorrect or Lost?
If the Border Number is missing or recorded incorrectly, the expat should visit the Passport Office (Jawazat) with their passport to retrieve it. Employers or sponsors may also access it via Muqeem or Absher Business.
Once issued, the number can be used for various formalities like Iqama issuance and health insurance.
Transferring Services Using the Border Number
This service allows companies to issue a temporary work permit for a foreign worker who has been in Saudi Arabia for more than 90 days without an issued work permit. Steps include:
Visit the e-services portal and log in.
Select your company and choose “Transfer Worker Using Border Number”.
Enter the company number and visa number (Border Number).
Click Add after entering each worker’s info, then click Submit.
You will receive confirmation whether the worker belongs to your company or another.
Then visit the Passport Office to get the temporary Iqama number.
After that, complete the service transfer via the Ministry of Human Resources portal using the new Iqama number.
Conditions for Border Number Service Transfer
For a successful transfer, your company must meet the following conditions:
The company must be legally established.
A valid commercial license is required.
The company’s national address must be registered.
No workers in the company should have expired work permits or Iqamas.
The company must be in the Green Zone or above (Nitaqat system).
No violations or pending issues on record.
The expat must have been inside the Kingdom for over 90 days.
The expat must not already have an Iqama.
The company must provide this service to all its workers under the Nitaqat program.
The expat must be employed by an existing, active company.
الخاتمة
The Border Number is an essential component of Saudi Arabia’s immigration system. Every expat receives one upon their first legal entry into the Kingdom. It is used in critical official processes such as issuing residence permits, checking visa status, and other government services. The availability of digital platforms like Absher and Muqeem allows for convenient access and better management of expat data, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing digital infrastructure.
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