The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia has introduced a revised policy that permits residents to renew their Iqama (residency permit) without presence of family members.
This policy change is designed to support expatriate families facing difficulties renewing their residency permits due to the absence of family members abroad.
Under the new guidelines, the physical presence of the head of the household within the Kingdom is now sufficient to complete the renewal process.
It should be noted that expats’ families in the Kingdom routinely face challenges with renewal process especially when their children studying overseas, parents accompanying ill relatives for medical treatment, or urgent family matters requiring travel abroad.
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Earlier, the requirement for all dependents to be physically present in Saudi Arabia often caused delays and legal complications if the Iqama expired during a family member’s absence.
The updated policy ensures that families can maintain their legal residency status and continue to access essential services, as long as the primary resident remains in the country and manages the renewal procedure.
