Foreign workers may renew dependents’ visit visas electronically

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Saudi Arabia has launched an electronic service that will allow expatriates to renew visit visas for relatives.

What does the change mean? Foreign employees may renew visit visas for family members electronically without having to queue in passport offices.

• Implementation timeframe: Aug. 11.
• Visas/permits affected: Family Visit Visas.
• Who is affected: Relatives of foreign nationals who are working in Saudi Arabia.
• Impact on processing times: The new system will speed the process.
• Business impact: The new system will expedite visa-renewal procedures for assignees’ family members.

Background: The new service will be part of the Ministry of the Interior’s Abshir electronic data system. In order to use the service, expats must register with Abshir.

BAL Analysis: Assignees will benefit from the new system by being able to quickly extend visit visas for family members and avoid the previous waits that were common.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Saudi Arabia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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