How long it takes to get my iqama?

I am working as a welding inspector in Saudi Arabia. I am new to Saudi. How long does it take to process an iqama? Also, my company has given me an attested copy of my passport saying it is valid for 3 months. can i travel to other parts within Saudi with this copy alone?

Haseo is so correct... I wouldnt travel just yet until you get that Iqama... It shouldnt take more than a week.. Just 24hours is the usual time though...
But those police at the checkpoints.. I dont know where they find those dudes, but they seem to not understand anything.. And their usual response is to just take you to jail and let those guys sort it out.. And time here in Saudi is not an important point.. Government office workers, including judges, police supervisorts etc.. Just come into office when they feel like it.. sometimes for one hour then their gone... You do not want to spend a weekend there...

if it is valid yes you can. And i guess it shouldn't take more than a week to have a new one processed.

A copy won't really work they wanna see the original

dont know

Provided you already took the medical here in the kingdom, an iqama will not take more than 3 working days. (not including thursdays and fridays).

Attested copy of the passport should have a letter from the company attached with the company stamp. You can travel anywhere in the kingdom but better for you to wait for you iqama.

Otherwise, you might be unlucky and spend some unnecessary time trying to explain to the stupid checkpoint police who doesn't know even a hint of english where you are going and why you still don't have your iqama.

Most likely if they cannot understand what you're saying, they will haul your @ss off to jail and call you sponsor/company to come over and explain.

If you're sent to jail on a weekday, you're lucky and might get out in a day. If on a Thursday or Friday, closest will be on a Saturday with the regular Friday special meal and a few whips of a cane.

i think in one week you can get your iqama (if your company start processing it from now).

If all the documents are in order, it will take only one day to get your Iqama. Submit the documents in the morning and get your Iqama after Duhr prayer break , the same day. You should have the copy of your work permit ( Issued from labour office) with the documents .
Passport is valid for 3 months from the entry date but it is better you travel with the original Passport / Iqama to avoid unexpected problems while travelling.