Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia renews expired residency visas of expats stuck abroad

Saudi Arabia has announced the automatic renewal of expired residency visas of expats stuck abroad due to travel restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports said.

The General Department of Passports (Jawazat) announced via its Twitter account that it would automatically extend the validity of expired residency visas for expatriates who are outside the Kingdom as well as those inside the Kingdom but whose entry/exit visas have expired.

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According to the announcements, no fees will be charged on visas that expired during the month of August and as such, will now be valid for one month until the end of September.

Passport authorities also announced the automatic extension of the validity of final exit visas to all expatriates who are still inside the Kingdom and who were not able to leave due to the closures of borders.

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The announcement comes just days after Saudia Airlines set coronavirus guidelines and requirements for travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Authorities have not yet set a date for the resumption of international travel to and from the Kingdom. However, Saudi Arabia reopened its land borders in August to citizens and their non-Saudi family members who wish to return to the country.

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