Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia has introduced a new policy that permits residents to renew their Iqama (residency permit) even if some of their dependents or companions are currently outside the country, as long as the head of the household remains in Saudi Arabia.
This important update is designed to alleviate challenges faced by expatriates who were previously unable to renew their residency due to a family member being abroad.
Now, the head of the household’s presence in Saudi Arabia is sufficient to complete the renewal process.
This change is viewed as both a humanitarian and practical measure, addressing real-world situations such as children studying abroad, family members receiving medical treatment overseas, or urgent travel.
Previously, the requirement for all dependents to be physically in Saudi Arabia created delays and legal risks if the Iqama expired while they were away.
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With the new rules, resident families can now keep their legal status intact and continue to access essential services without interruptions, even if some family members are temporarily outside the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the Directorate has announced that exit and re-entry visas for family members abroad can now be extended electronically via the SADAD system and the Absher platform, eliminating the need for physical visits to passport offices.
This update represents Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and convenience of its residency and visa services for expatriate families.
