Saudi Arabia announces new policy for 'Iqama' renewal
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Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports has introduced a new policy that allows residents to renew their 'Iqama' (residency permit) even if some dependents or companions are currently outside the country, as long as the head of the household remains within the Kingdom.
The move is expected to ease administrative challenges for expatriates who previously faced obstacles renewing their residency due to a family member's absence from Saudi Arabia.
'The presence of the head of the household inside the Kingdom is now sufficient for Iqama renewal,' the Directorate confirmed in a statement.
The policy addresses various real-life situations commonly faced by expatriate families — such as children studying abroad, a parent travelling for medical reasons, or family emergencies requiring travel. Previously, such cases risked delays or legal complications if the Iqama expired while a family member was outside the Kingdom.
Under the revised rules, families can maintain their legal residency status and continue accessing government and private sector services, even if one or more dependents are overseas.
In addition, the Directorate announced that the extension of exit and re-entry visas for family members currently abroad can now be handled entirely online. The service is available through the 'Absher' platform and the government's 'SADAD' payment system, eliminating the need for in-person visits to passport offices.
The update is seen as both a humanitarian and administrative step forward, simplifying procedures for thousands of resident families across Saudi Arabia.
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Listen to article Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports has introduced a new policy that allows residents to renew their 'Iqama' (residency permit) even if some dependents or companions are currently outside the country, as long as the head of the household remains within the Kingdom. The move is expected to ease administrative challenges for expatriates who previously faced obstacles renewing their residency due to a family member's absence from Saudi Arabia. 'The presence of the head of the household inside the Kingdom is now sufficient for Iqama renewal,' the Directorate confirmed in a statement. The policy addresses various real-life situations commonly faced by expatriate families — such as children studying abroad, a parent travelling for medical reasons, or family emergencies requiring travel. Previously, such cases risked delays or legal complications if the Iqama expired while a family member was outside the Kingdom. Under the revised rules, families can maintain their legal residency status and continue accessing government and private sector services, even if one or more dependents are overseas. In addition, the Directorate announced that the extension of exit and re-entry visas for family members currently abroad can now be handled entirely online. The service is available through the 'Absher' platform and the government's 'SADAD' payment system, eliminating the need for in-person visits to passport offices. The update is seen as both a humanitarian and administrative step forward, simplifying procedures for thousands of resident families across Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Arabia has announced that dependents of expats and domestic workers can now renew their Iqamas even if they are outside the Kingdom. According to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), this update allows residents to extend their residency permits and single or multiple exit and re-entry visas through the online platforms Absher and Muqeem. Beneficiaries can access these services by paying the required fees as per government regulations. This new policy offers much-needed flexibility for expatriates and their families, especially those unable to return to Saudi Arabia in time for renewals. Key Fees converted in local currency Exit and Re-entry Visa Extension: Rs7,684 Iqama Renewal: Rs4269 Final Exit Fee: Rs5197 New Iqama Issuance: Rs3842 Passport Information Update: Rs5123 These updates, shared via the Absher Business platform, reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to streamlining residency and visa-related processes for expats and their dependents. The measures provide a significant convenience to those living abroad, ensuring smooth operations and enhanced accessibility through digital platforms. Passport counters set up at NADRA mega centres The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) has set up passport counters at NADRA Mega Centers situated in North Nazimabad and the Site Industrial Area. The one-window processing counters are capable of handling all essential formalities for the issuance and renewal of passports, including photo, thumb impressions, and document verification. The facility will cater to over 400 passport applications on a daily basis. The new facility, launched on Monday, will reduce the rush at passport offices situated in Saddar and Awami Markaz. Initially, six passport processing counters have been set up at NADRA Mega Center in North Nazimabad near Five Star Chowrangi, while six counters have been set up at NADRA Mega Center situated in Site Industrial Area. An assistant director and required staff has been deployed at both the centers. These facilities will work round the clock in three shifts. Citizens will be able to avail passport renewal and issuance services 24 hours a day in both centers. At least 400 applicants are likely to benefit from bot centers every day.
