Thousands of residents in Saudi Arabia are breathing a sigh of relief following the announcement of a new service from the General Directorate of Passports that streamlines the process of extending exit and return visas – eliminating decades of bureaucratic hurdles. The revolutionary service allows residents anywhere in the world to renew their visas electronically.
The technological advancement enables residents outside of Saudi Arabia to update their travel documents with a single click, resolving the long-standing issue of visa expirations during vacations or emergency situations that have often caused stress for families. This move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to easing processes for its large expatriate population.
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The new system integrates the Absher and Muqeem platforms with the SADAD banking system. Employers or heads of households can simply pay the required fees, and the request will be processed immediately, with the database updated in real-time.
- The sole requirement: The beneficiary must remain registered in the official passport registry.
- Payment method: Only through approved digital platforms.
- Processing time: Immediate upon successful payment.
This digital transformation is part of the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to achieve 100% digitization of government services, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes beneficiary satisfaction.
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In a separate announcement, the General Directorate of Passports has reminded citizens planning to travel to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to ensure their national ID card remains valid for at least three months beyond their intended travel date, to avoid any issues at border crossings.
The new system represents a significant step forward, transforming previous administrative challenges into innovative technological solutions. This enhances Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a global destination for work and investment and paves the way for future services leveraging artificial intelligence to anticipate traveler needs.