Saudi Arabia to Extend Residency, Visas for Expats

Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that the validity of residence permits for expatriates outside the Kingdom, as well as exit and re-entry visas for visitors would be extended free of cost.

The extension will apply to expats and visitors who are outside the Kingdom in countries where travel has been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

General Directorate of Passports said the steps were being taken automatically without fees or financial payments until June 2.

The extension, issued by Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, comes within the framework of the continuous efforts taken by the Saudi government in order to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Moreover, it is an important part of the precautionary measures that ensure the safety of citizens and residents and contributes to mitigating the economic and financial impacts.

The Saudi authority confirmed that the extension will be done automatically in cooperation with the National Information Center without the need to follow up with the Passports Department’s headquarters.