Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateOfPassports
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Zawya
Saudi: Passports Directorate takes 8,155 punitive measures against violators
RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports has issued 8,155 administrative decisions against violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations during the last Hijri month of Dhul Hijjah. Administrative committees under passport departments in various regions of the Kingdom took the decisions to penalize the violators, including Saudi citizens and expatriates, and the penalties include imprisonment, fines, and deportation. The Passports Directorate urged all citizens and residents, including business owners, not to transport, employ, or shelter violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations, or provide them with any means of assistance in finding employment, housing, or transportation. It called on the public to extend cooperation through passing information about the violators by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom. All reports will be treated with complete confidentiality, the directorate said. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Business
01-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
New Umrah season: How many visas have been issued so far?
The The Umrah season formally began on Tuesday, 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1446 AH (June 10, 2025), with visa applications opened through the country's integrated digital platform, 'Nusuk'. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goals under Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing religious tourism and modernising services provided to pilgrims. Read- According to a r The early rush of Umrah applications follows a notably successful Hajj season, during which the country implemented streamlined procedures, boosted technical infrastructure, and achieved significant gains in performance and service efficiency. These upgrades contributed to a smoother and more fulfilling experience for pilgrims. Passports directorate launches 30-day grace period for expired visit visas In a related development, the General Directorate of Passports launched a 30-day initiative beginning Muharram 1, 1447 AH, to allow the Eligible individuals must pay any required fees and penalties as per regulations. Applications for extension can be submitted via the 'Tawasul Service' on the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform. Authorities have urged all those affected to take advantage of the grace period and ensure compliance before the deadline to avoid legal complications. Housing contracts now mandatory for Umrah Visa issuance Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a directive requiring Umrah companies, establishments, and international agents to document housing contracts for all Umrah performers. These This new measure aims to improve service quality, protect pilgrim rights, and ensure regulatory compliance. The issuance of Umrah visas is now contingent upon submitting a documented accommodation contract. The policy took effect at the start of the Umrah season and reflects enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism. Authorities stressed that early documentation is crucial to avoid processing delays or potential violations. This initiative is expected to enhance safety, comfort, and the overall experience for Umrah performers from arrival to departure, while also regulating the hospitality sector during peak seasons. Umrah season launch reflects broader Vision 2030 goals The launch of the 1447 AH Umrah season not only signals the return of millions of religious visitors but also underscores Saudi Arabia's push to realize the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, particularly in the area of religious tourism. According to the Ministry, the Nusuk app continues to play a central role in this transformation. It enables pilgrims to obtain permits digitally, access real-time updates, and receive support in multiple languages. Technical preparations began well in advance of the season's opening, with coordination from several government agencies to ensure high service standards. Efforts have also These enhancements are part of a broader plan to position the Kingdom as a leader in smart pilgrimage management, ensuring that visitors to the Two Holy Mosques enjoy a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable experience. As the 1447 AH Umrah season progresses, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is expected to continue introducing reforms and technological innovations to streamline the pilgrimage journey. With early indicators pointing to strong demand, the Kingdom remains committed to offering an elevated level of service, while maintaining safety, efficiency, and transparency across all stages of the Umrah process.
Gulf Business
28-06-2025
- Gulf Business
Expired Saudi visit visa? Kingdom offers one-month extension for exit
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports has launched an initiative to extend all types of expired visit visas for the purpose of final exit, effective from Muharram 1, 1447 AH (June 26), the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The initiative grants a 30-day extension window, subject to the payment of applicable fees and penalties in line with existing regulations, according to the People with expired visit visas should submit requests through Saudi's Tawasul service Applicants seeking to benefit from the initiative must submit their requests via the Tawasul service available on the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform during the designated period. The directorate urged all eligible individuals to take advantage of the initiative before the deadline, SPA said. Read:
Arab News
27-06-2025
- Arab News
Saudi passports department's expired visa extension initiative
RIYADH: The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has launched an initiative to extend expired visit visas for a final exit. The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations. The directorate said that applicants may submit requests through the Tawasul Service on the Ministry of Interior's Absher portal during the specified period. It urged all eligible individuals to benefit from the initiative before the deadline.
Arabian Business
27-06-2025
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia announces major visa update
Saudi Arabia has announced a major visa extension for visitors in the Kingdom. The General Directorate of Passports announced the launch of an initiative to extend all types and categories of expired visit visas for the purpose of final exit, effective from Muharram 1, 1447 AH (corresponding with June 26, 2025). The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations. Saudi visa extension The directorate stated that applicants may submit requests through the 'Tawasul Service' on the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform during the specified period. The directorate also urged all eligible individuals to benefit from the initiative before the deadline.
