The Saudi government has introduced a revised fee structure for several essential services, including the issuance and renewal of residence permits (Iqama). These updates were announced via the Absher Business platform, a key channel under the Ministry of Interior, providing clarity and convenience to expatriates.
Key Updates in the Fee Structure
Below is a summary of the updated charges:
Exit and Reentry Visa: Extending an exit and reentry visa now costs SR103.5.
Iqama Renewal: Renewing a Saudi residency permit (Iqama) costs SR57.75.
Final Exit Visa: The fee for obtaining a final exit visa is SR70.
New Iqama Issuance: Issuing a new Iqama incurs a charge of SR51.75.
Passport Information Update: Updating passport details for expatriates costs SR69.
These fees are applicable to services provided directly to individuals, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
A Closer Look at the Expatriate Community in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to one of the largest expatriate populations globally. According to a 2023 survey, over 10 million expatriates reside in the Kingdom. The workforce includes:
3 million Indians
2.5 million Pakistanis
2.2 million Egyptians
1.4 million Yemenis
1.2 million Bengalis
The revised fee structure reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing and streamlining its services for this diverse and substantial community.
Recent Initiatives for Expatriates
In a notable move in November 2024, Saudi Arabia extended the validity of Iqamas and exit and reentry visas without charging any fees. This initiative, implemented by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), was aimed at expatriates from countries facing travel bans. The extension was carried out automatically, following directives from King Salman bin Abdul Aziz. Such measures underscore the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting expatriates during challenging times.
Streamlining Services Through Absher Business
The Absher Business platform plays a crucial role in delivering efficient and transparent services to residents and expatriates. Its recent social media posts have provided timely updates on fee structures, ensuring that individuals are well-informed about the costs associated with key services.
Implications for Pakistanis
With over 2.5 million Pakistanis forming a significant part of Saudi Arabia’s expatriate workforce, these changes are particularly relevant. Staying updated on Iqama fees and related services helps Pakistanis plan and manage their residency requirements effectively.
Final Thoughts
The updated Iqama fee structure is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance its administrative processes and cater to the needs of its expatriate community. By maintaining clarity in its policies and offering periodic fee waivers, the Kingdom continues to reinforce its position as a welcoming destination for workers from across the globe.
For more updates on residency permits and other visa-related announcements, stay tuned to official Saudi platforms such as Absher Business and Jawazat.
