September 11, (THEWILL) – The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has announced automatic extension of the validity of residence permits (Iqama) for stranded expatriates outside the Kingdom.
The authorities also extended the validity of visit visas and exit and re-entry visas without fees or charges for all expatriates until 30/11/2021.
The decision, which was approved by the Minister of Finance, follows ongoing efforts by the Kingdom’s government to mitigate financial and economic impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Directorate indicated that the extension will be carried out electronically in cooperation with the National Information Centre without the need to visit the departments of passports.
“First: Extending the validity of residence permits as well as exit and re-entry visas for residents who are in countries from which entry is suspended as a result of Coronavirus until 30/11/2021.
“Second: Extending the validity of visit visas for visitors who are in the countries from which entry is suspended as a result of the Coronavirus until 30/11/2021”, the Directorate of Passports, stated, while explaining the extension process.
Last month, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior issued directives to allow direct entry of fully vaccinated expatriates from countries facing travel ban.
The decision was applied only to those foreigners who have a valid residency permit (iqama) and left the Kingdom on exit and re-entry visa after taking two doses of vaccine against coronavirus from Saudi Arabia.
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