Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has introduced a new policy that allows residents to renew their “Iqama” (residency permit) even if some dependents or companions are currently outside the country, as long as the head of the household remains within the Kingdom.
The move is expected to ease administrative challenges for expatriates who previously faced obstacles renewing their residency due to a family member’s absence from Saudi Arabia.
“The presence of the head of the household inside the Kingdom is now sufficient for Iqama renewal,” the Directorate confirmed in a statement.
The policy addresses various real-life situations commonly faced by expatriate families — such as children studying abroad, a parent travelling for medical reasons, or family emergencies requiring travel. Previously, such cases risked delays or legal complications if the Iqama expired while a family member was outside the Kingdom.
Under the revised rules, families can maintain their legal residency status and continue accessing government and private sector services, even if one or more dependents are overseas.
In addition, the Directorate announced that the extension of exit and re-entry visas for family members currently abroad can now be handled entirely online. The service is available through the “Absher” platform and the government’s “SADAD” payment system, eliminating the need for in-person visits to passport offices.
The update is seen as both a humanitarian and administrative step forward, simplifying procedures for thousands of resident families across Saudi Arabia.
