Passport announces the cancellation of resident and visitor status and announces the replacement system and its implementation date

She declared General Directorate of Passports Saudi Arabia has announced a new card called “resident status” that will be granted to expatriates instead of the traditional residency that was previously granted to them.

Passport announces scrapping of resident and visitor statuses and unveils replacement system

The new card will be valid for five years and will be used to prove the foreign national’s status in the country.

The card contains basic information such as the foreigner’s name. ID numberdate of birth, occupation, job qualification, nationality, work permit number (if any), religious beliefs and employer’s name.

Col. Khaled Al-Sikhan, Assistant Director General for Passport Technical Affairs, said the card will be updated electronically every year.

Features of the new card “Resident Identity Card”

The “Resident Identity Card” has several advantages that can be convenient for employers and expatriates:

• Ease of use: It allows expatriates and employers to benefit from its services easily.
• Requirement to have a Post Office Box (Wasel): The beneficiary of the card service must provide a Post Office Box to receive passport services directly at home.
• Provision of electronic services: From the beginning of next year, the passport will prevent all companies and institutions from reviewing their sectors and provide services through electronic services, as the identity of the workers will arrive at the company’s website via the postal service.

Provide resident ID card issuance service through Absher platform

The Resident ID Card issuance service is considered one of the most important e-services provided by the Absher platform, which allows the issuance of residency for all individuals, whether domestic workers or family members of expatriates. The service includes the following:

• Electronic process: the entire service is implemented through the platform Preaching the Good News.
• Cost: The ID card issuance fee for the domestic worker is 600 Saudi Riyals, and 500 Saudi Riyals for family members over 18 years old, bringing the total cost of the service to 650 Saudi Riyals.
• Target Group: Includes residents and citizens within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Available channels: Services can be provided through mobile applications.
• Implementation time: ID will be issued within one day.

Services provided by “Muqeem ID” in Saudi Arabia

The Resident Identity Card provides many services to residents of the Kingdom, including:

• Proof of identity: The card can be used to prove identity when applying for a job, opening a bank account or renting an apartment throughout the Kingdom.
• Travel: The card is used for travel within the Kingdom as well as entering and leaving the country.
• E-Services: Access to Absher platform services, Tawakkalna application and government e-services portal.
• Financial Services: The card is used to conduct financial transactions such as transferring money, paying bills, and withdrawing cash from ATMs.
• Health Services: For obtaining health services in hospitals and clinics.
• Educational Services: For registering at schools and universities and applying for scholarships.
• Other services: including insurance, driver’s license and sports club membership.

Steps to electronically issue a National ID card through Absher

To get your National ID card issued, you must follow these steps:

• Log in to the Absher platform: Log in to the electronic platform.
• Select Family Membership Service: Select the appropriate service from the list.
• Select “Resident ID Card Issuance”: start the resident ID card procedure.
• Enter resident data: Fill out the form with the required data.
• Fee Payment: Pay the designated ID card issuance fee.
• Electronically printed resident ID card: obtain a printed resident ID card through the platform.

The move is part of the Saudi government’s ongoing efforts to simplify procedures and improve the quality of services provided to Saudi residents.