Saudi Arabia imposes ban on entry of Iqama holders

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on the entry of iqama holders into the kingdom for an unidentified period as part of precautionary measures against the coronavirus.

The Directorate General of Passports (Jawazat) announced that the mechanism to resume extension of the exit and re-entry visas for expatriates who are outside the country will be announced after the end of the coronavirus pandemic crisis.

The Jawazat stated on its Twitter account while responding to queries from a number of expatriates who are currently outside the Kingdom and whose exit and re-entry visas have expired.

The expatriates inquired about the possibility of returning to the Kingdom after the resumption of international flight service.

It reiterated that the return of expatriates who left Saudi Arabia will be only after the end of the pandemic and in accordance with the process to obtain a valid re-entry visa.

The directorate said that in the event of any new decisions or instructions in this regard will be announced through official channels.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia had said that the validity of visas will be extended for those Iqama holders who could not return to the kingdom due to the pandemic.

On March 9, Saudi Arabia had temporarily suspended land and sea travel to and from Oman, France, Germany, Turkey and Spain for citizens and residents to help stem the spread of coronavirus.

Saudi state media reported had said people coming from these countries – or who had visited any of them within 14 days prior to travel to Saudi Arabia – will not be allowed to enter.