RIYADH — The Directorate General of Passports (Jawazat) has begun renewing residency permits (iqama) for all expatriates for a period of three months free of charge, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.

The decision follows the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to ease the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in the private sector.

The Jawazat said that the decision would include all expatriates in and outside the Kingdom who work in the private sector in commercial and industrial professions.

“The free iqama renewal will be done only for those whose iqama expiry period is between March 18, 2020 to June 30, 2020”.

The Jawazat added that the “Muqeem identity card” holder can renew it by entering the Ministry of Interior e-services platform “Absher” or via the “Muqeem” e-port, and there is no need to contact the Jawazat offices personally. — SG