Arab News, Sunday, Sep 12, 2021 | Safar 5, 1443
Saudi Arabia extends iqama, visit, exit and re-entry visas for free till Nov. 30
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi General Directorate of
Passports has started to automatically extend the validity of residence permits
(iqama) for expatriates outside the Kingdom as well as visit visas and exit and
re-entry visas without fees or charge until Nov. 30.
This decision implements the directives of King
Salman.
The extension, which was issued by the Minister of
Finance, is part of the continuing efforts of the Saudi government to deal with
the repercussions of COVID-19.
It also falls within the precautionary measures
that guarantee the safety of Saudis and expatriates and mitigate financial
impacts.
The Directorate confirmed that the extension will
be done electronically, in cooperation with the National Information Center,
without the need to visit the passport departments.
The extension process will be carried out as
follows: first, extending the validity of residence permits as well as exit and
re-entry visas for residents who are in the countries from which entry is
suspended because of the coronavirus until Nov. 30. Second, extending the
validity of visit visas for visitors who are in those countries.
Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia announced the end
of restrictions on travel to and from the UAE, South Africa and Argentina. The
travel ban was originally imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, amid a surge
in cases of the delta variant of the coronavirus.
It has been lifted in light of changes in the
epidemiological situation both locally and globally, and based on submissions by
the relevant health authorities, the Saudi Interior Ministry said.