Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) denied reports being circulated on social media about a move to convert family visit visa into residency visa (iqama).

The Jawazat confirmed through its official account on Twitter that there is no directive in this regard.

“The standing instructions do not permit this, and if any new decisions or instructions are issued, they will be announced at the time through our official channels,” it said.

The Jawazat made this clarification in response to queries from a citizen who inquired about the authenticity of the circulating report regarding the conversion of the multiple family visit visa to iqama for an amount of money.

It is noteworthy that there are some social media accounts that involve in fraudulent practices, with claiming their ability to convert a visit visa to residency visa in return for a fee, despite the government agencies confirming that no decision has so far been issued in this regard.