Saudi Arabia Allows Iqama Renewal For Residents Even If Family Members Are Abroad
The new decision aims to help expatriates facing difficulties renewing their residency permits due to a family member being abroad.
The new rule ensures that the presence of the head of the household within Saudi Arabia is sufficient to proceed with the renewal process.
The policy has significant humanitarian and administrative implications, addressing common situations faced by resident families, such as children traveling for education, one parent accompanying a sick family member for medical treatment, or family emergencies abroad.
Previously, the requirement that all family members be in Saudi Arabia had led to delays and potential legal risks if the Iqama expired.
Under the updated guidelines, families can maintain their legal status and continue receiving essential services, even if one member is abroad, as long as the head of the household is in the Kingdom and manages the renewal process.
Additionally, the Directorate clarified that the extension of exit and re-entry visas for family members outside the Kingdom is now fully electronic. This can be done through the 'SADAD' system and the 'Absher' platform, removing the need for in-person visits to passport offices.
Source Gulf News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
04-08-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Announces 60-Day Grace Period For All Expired Visit Visa Holders
The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia has announced a 60-day grace period for visitors with expired visas to leave the country legally. As part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to streamline departure procedures for residency law violators, the initiative applies to all types and names of visit visas that have expired. The grace period, which began on the first day of Safar 1447 AH (July 26, 2025), offers a limited window for eligible individuals to extend their visas for the sole purpose of final exit. In an official advisory, the Passports Directorate urged visitors to review any outstanding fees or fines via official banking channels through the 'Sadad' payment system, prior to completing the extension process and making departure arrangements. It emphasised that the initiative is part of its commitment to offering flexible solutions that encourage compliance with residency regulations while enabling visitors to depart without additional burden. It also reflects the Kingdom's adherence to humanitarian and administrative standards in addressing visit visa violations. The Directorate called on all those affected to take necessary action within the specified timeframe to avoid legal repercussions and to finalize their status through organized and secure procedures.
Gulf Insider
29-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Grants Extra 30 Days for Visit Visa
Saudi authorities have extended the grace period for visit visa holders who have overstayed, granting them an additional 30 days to leave the country, the General Directorate of Passports announced. The extension, which applies to all categories of visit visas, took effect on Sunday, July 27, and is conditional on the payment of any outstanding fines and fees in line with Saudi regulations. In a statement, the directorate said that eligible individuals can request departure through the 'Tawasul' service on the Ministry of Interior's digital 'Absher' platform. Officials urged visitors to make use of the extended window to arrange their departure within the specified timeframe and avoid further penalties. The initiative, first introduced in June, aims to streamline exit procedures and promote compliance with the kingdom's residency and immigration rules. Under the policy, which came into effect on June 26, overstayers were granted a 30-day grace period to settle fines and administrative fees before leaving the country, regardless of the type or classification of their visa. The latest extension is part of Saudi Arabia's broader effort to regulate residency and ensure smoother departure processes for visitors who remain in the kingdom beyond their visa validity. Also read: Thunderstorms, Hail And Flash Floods To Hit Saudi Arabia; Public Urged To Stay Alert
Gulf Insider
28-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Grants 30-Day Grace Period To Extend Expired Visit Visas For Final Departure
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) announced that it started implementing a new initiative allowing the extension of all expired visit visas—regardless of type or designation—for the purpose of final departure from Saudi Arabia. The grace period began on 1 Muharram 1447 AH, corresponding to June 26, 2025 and the visa holders will have 30 days to regularize their status after paying all applicable fees and penalties to facilitate their exit from the Kingdom. The initiative is accessible through the 'Tawasul' service on the Ministry of Interior's 'Absher' electronic platform. Jawazat urged all the concerned beneficiaries to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity before the expiry of the deadline. 7 minutes ago 13 minutes ago 1 day ago
