Saudi Passports launch status rectification for 4 categories of Yemenis

RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports started on Sunday procedures to rectify the status of Yemeni nationals residing illegally across Saudi Arabia. This was in line with implementing the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in response to a request from the President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi.

In a statement published on its official X platform, the Passports Directorate outlined four categories of beneficiaries and the facilities available to regularize their status. The first category covers individuals without Yemeni identity documents or passports, who will be granted a free six-month visit visa. Applicants must book an appointment electronically through the “Absher” platform, select the designated rectification center, and appear at the specified location and time with proof of Yemeni nationality, such as a passport or a travel document issued by the embassy.

The second category comprises holders of expired visitor IDs and expired visit visas of various types whose fingerprints are registered in the system. Their visas will be extended electronically for six months without requiring a visit to passport offices, provided they hold valid passports.

The third category includes residents whose residency permits have expired. Those with valid travel documents may transfer their services to other employers seeking their services through the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s digital platforms—Absher, Qiwa, and Musaned—without visiting government offices. Those wishing to leave the Kingdom may obtain a final exit visa without restrictions barring their future entry into Saudi Arabia.

The fourth category covers individuals reported as absconding from work. Those with valid travel documents may rectify their status by having their absconding reports cancelled and transferring their services to other employers through the approved digital platforms: Absher, Qiwa, and Musaned.