1.7 million firms out of Nitaqat purview
JEDDAH: Arab News
Published — Monday 3 February 2014
Nitaqat ‘fails’ to curb remittances
Foreign remittances of expats have risen to SR383.6 billion since the introduction of the Nitaqat nationalization program in 2011. Abdul Hameed Al-Omari, a member of the Saudi Economic Association, revealed this on Saturday.
This marks a 57.8 percent jump in foreign transfers compared to the previous 10 years, he said. “Expats should not be blamed for these transfers as it is their right.”
He added: “If we want to blame someone for the danger it has posed to the economy, it should be government departments, especially the Labor Ministry and big companies.”
He pointed out: “This indicates the ministry’s program was increasing per capita foreign transfers from SR9,200 per month in 2011 to SR10,437 in 2012 and SR12,330 in 2013.”
Al-Omari said the ministry’s efforts to discourage expats to bring families would increase foreign remittances further and reduce their spending in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, personal foreign remittances of Saudis and expats reached SR226.6 billion in 2013, the highest in 20 years, a local Arabic business daily reported, saying the amount was 16.5 percent more than the figure of 2012, when it was SR194.5 billion.
The report said foreign remittances of expats rose by 18 percent in 2013 to SR148 billion against SR125.2 billion in 2012. The hike coincides with an increase in Saudi imports, which amounted to SR841 billion in 2013 against SR807 billion in 2012, registering a 4 percent rise.
“Foreign remittances of non-Saudis for travel purposes decreased 74 percent to SR386 million against SR1.5 billion in 2012,” said the report.
Shoura: Nitaqat failed to yield desired results
JEDDAH: Arab News
Published — Wednesday 29 January 2014
Shoura Council members have criticized the Labor Ministry’s Nitaqat program, saying it has failed to achieve the desired results.
“Companies manipulate the system to give the impression that they have helped Saudis get employed,” a member told the Shoura meeting.
Saeed Al-Asheikh said the achievements of the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) were less than expected.
“Unemployment rates rose to 12.5 percent in 2012 despite the huge amounts of money (SR12 billion) invested with the fund,” he said.
Fahd bin Juma, another member, said the fund’s support to companies has had little impact. “The employment program is focusing on major cities, while job opportunities remain scarce in small cities,” he said. The HRDF is also facing a problem employing Saudis in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Another member said the fund’s investments, which exceed SR12 billion, had poor returns. Shoura members have questioned the fund’s relevance in light of growing unemployment. The HRDF has spent more than SR90 million on plans and studies.
Meanwhile, the Labor Ministry has said that it is planning to nationalize the retail business sector to create at least 42,000 jobs for salesmen, saleswomen and sales supervisors. The ministry expects that Saudis will be able to receive a minimum salary of SR4,500 by taking up these jobs.
“There are a lot of opportunities in the retail sector,” a ministry official said. According to a report, about 16 percent of foreign employees work in the sector. The ministry’s new move is significant in light of statistics that show that 75 percent of Saudi job seekers registered with the HRDF hold only secondary school certificates.
“We will inform Saudi job seekers about opportunities at supermarkets and other retail business areas and train them to work in sales and sale supervision,” the official said.
Morethan 15,000 passports of Indian nationals from the Saudi authorities received by Indian Embassy
Dated: 13 May, 2013
The Embassy has received around 15,000 passports of Indian nationals from the Saudi authorities. Most of these passports have been surrendered by the sponsors of Indian workers to the Saudi authorities. The Embassy has today uploaded a list of these passports (Click to view or click here to view in XL) on its website at www.indianembassy.org.sa.
2. These passports can be collected from the Embassy from 6 PM to 9 PM starting on Monday May 13 to Saturday 18, 2013 except on Friday. All Indian nationals who lost their passports may check their passport number from this list and approach the Embassy with their passport number, serial and packet number as given in the list. A copy of the passport may be brought along to collect the passport. Passport will be returned only to the holder in person and not to any representative.
3. Those who are unable to collect their passports directly may contact the Embassy on its helpline numbers 01 4884697, 01 4881982, 0501699879, 0501700106, 0501699895, 0501699894.
Announcement about Emergency Certificate
Dated: 18 April 2013
The Indian Community Schools in major cities of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will set up collection centres to collect Emergency Certificate (EC) application forms from Indian nationals. The Indian Schools namely IIS Riyadh, IIPS Riyadh, IIS Dammam, IIS Jeddah, IIS Jubail, IIS Buraidah, IIS Al-Khafji, IIS Taif, IIS Majmah and IIS Tabuk will set up Collection Boxes during school working hours starting April 22, 2013. The Embassy is making arrangements to collect these forms from the Schools.
The VFS Centers in Dammam, Jubail, Wadi Al Dawasir, Hail and Buraidah, will also have Collection Boxes in which duly filled in EC application forms may be dropped during working hours. No fee is charged for dropping the EC applications at the Collection Centers.
Every Indian national wanting to leave Saudi Arabia on final exit, but does not have valid Indian or Saudi documents is urged to register with the Embassy by submitting EC application forms so that their cases can be taken up with the Saudi authorities effectively within the framework of applicable Saudi laws, keeping in view the excellent bilateral relations with this country and the welfare of more than two million Indians resident here. It is reiterated that Emergency Certificates will be issued only after the Saudi authorities agree to grant permission for the final exit of the applicants.
The duly filled application forms for Emergency Certificates along with copy of the passport, resident permit and any other document to establish the Indian nationality could also be forwarded by Post/Courier to EC Section, Embassy of India, B-1 Diplomatic Quarter, PO Box 94387, Riyadh - 11693, Saudi Arabia. Please note that mobile numbers and contact numbers are required to be clearly mentioned in the application forms.
The Emergency Certificate forms are available on the Embassy of India website http://www.indianembassy.org.sa/. For any further queries, please e-mail at labour.riyadh@mea.gov.in or call at the 24-hour Embassy helpline numbers i.e. +966-1-4884697 & 4881982.
Fakeih, Rao discuss labor issues
Source: http://www.arabnews.com/news/449106
RIYADH: GHAZANFAR ALI KHAN
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Last Update 23 April 2013 2:58 am
Minister of Labor Adel Fakeih has assured support for Indian workers within the framework of the Kingdom’s laws that guarantee protection for foreign workers.
The assurance for help was given by Fakieh during his meeting with Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao at the Ministry of Labor here yesterday.
Ambassador Rao, who discussed “the welfare of the Indian community in the context of the Nitaqat program”, renewed his pledge to work tirelessly for the workers. He said the talks with the Saudi minister focused on labor issues and other bilateral subjects of common interest. There are over two million Indian expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia at the moment.
Asked about the specifics of his talks with Minister Fakieh, the Indian envoy said: “Let me work quietly … I renew my pledge today again to solve the problems faced by Indian workers.”
In his talks with Fakieh, the ambassador recalled the excellent bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia. He thanked Fakeih for the decision made by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques to give a three-month grace period for those affected by the Nitaqat program to correct their legal status.
“The Indian Embassy urges all Indian nationals affected by the Nitaqat program to fully utilize the three-month grace period to correct their visa status,” said a press statement released by the embassy on this occasion. Those cases where people are not able to correct their legal status may approach the embassy for assistance, it noted. Any specific case, where assistance is required may be forwarded to labor.riyadh@mea.gov.in.
The embassy also urged Indian nationals wanting to leave Saudi Arabia but does not have valid documents to obtain final exit from Saudi authorities and register with the embassy by submitting their Emergency Certificate (EC) application forms.
“Please note that no amnesty has been declared by Saudi authorities,” said the statement.
The embassy reiterated that Emergency Travel Certificates will be issued only after Saudi authorities agree to grant permission for the final exit of applicants. “The embassy is fully committed toward the wellbeing of Indian nationals and will continue to address issues of concern within the framework of applicable Saudi laws,” said the statement.
Vayalar Ravi and team to visit Saudi Arabia for talks on nitaqat law
Published on Apr 02 2013
A number of people have been approaching the Indian Embassy in Diplomatic Quarters for Out Pass (Emergency Certificate). At present, the Embassy is accepting application forms for Out Pass. Out Pass will be issued after completion of formalities including Exit formalities with the Saudi authorities.
Please note that no amnesty has been declared by Saudi authorities. Indian Embassy is in touch with the Saudi authorities and will notify the Indian community if it receives any information in this regard. Out Pass will be issued only after the Saudi authorities agree to grant permission for the final exit of the applicants. Embassy will announce updates on these through media release. A 24-hour Embassy helpline would also provide information on these steps.
Embassy would like to re-iterate that Emergency Certificate is a one-way travel document valid for 3 months only. Those who already have a valid passport need not come to the Embassy.
The Embassy urges the Indian expatriate community not to panic based on inaccurate reports published by some sections of the Indian media. The Embassy is fully committed towards the wellbeing of Indian nationals and will continue to address issues of their concern within the framework of applicable Saudi laws, keeping in view the excellent bilateral relations with this country and the welfare of more than two million Indians resident in Saudi Arabia.
Nitaqat cleanup: 2 million face ax
Jeddah : P.K. Abdul Ghafour
Sunday 24th March 2013
At least 2 million expatriates may lose their jobs or leave the Kingdom shortly as about 250,000 small and medium enterprises will be listed in the Red category of the Labor Ministry’s Nitaqat system on Wednesday.
“About 250,000 trade, industrial and service firms have been given warning that their work permits would not be renewed because they have so far failed to employ at least one Saudi,” Al-Yaum reported yesterday quoting a high-level Labor Ministry source.
The deadline given to these SMEs to correct their situation ends Wednesday. The ministry had asked these firms to employ at least one Saudi to change their status and receive the ministry’s various services.
The source said the ministry would not renew work permits of employees in Red category firms and as a result their iqamas would not be renewed. According to a new law passed by the Cabinet, such iqama violators will be arrested and deported by the Interior Ministry.
The source said the ministry would provide regional governorates a list of SMEs that have so far failed to employ Saudis to take punitive action.
About a month ago, there were 340,000 firms without even a single Saudi working there. These firms have been given a deadline to correct their situation by March 27.
Saudi Arabia has deported more than 200,000 foreigners staying illegally in the country in four months, Passport Department officials said. The deportees included people who were smuggled into the country and expatriates who did not regularize their stay or were not allowed to renew their resident permits.
A majority of 250,000 firms in the Kingdom are involved in illegal cover-up businesses. The new law passed by the Cabinet targets such businesses and those involved in such activities would be punished.
“What is happening in Saudi Arabia now is a cleaning operation,” said Usman Irumpuzhi, an Indian journalist based in Jeddah. “This is a move against illegal workers and businesses, not against expatriates. The companies in the Premium and Green categories are still allowed to recruit foreign workers,” he told Arab News.
He said many Indians have already left the Kingdom on exit only visas because of the new regulations. “According to some sources, at least 100 Indians are leaving Jeddah every day on exit-only visas. This will definitely create a shortage in the number of workers and prices of goods and services will go up,” he added.
Emergency Certificate (EC) from Indian Embassy
Labor Ministry plans to retire foreigners at 60
Monday, March 04, 2013 8:12 AM
Saudi Gazette report
Expat housewives must stay at home: Labor Ministry
Saudi Gazette report
For more information :
Contact PCC Department of Indian Embassy Riyadh
Telephone : +966 1 4884144 Ext:- 116
Website : http://www.indianembassy.org.sa/Content.aspx?ID=735&PID=687
JEDDAH: Arab News
Published — Monday 3 February 2014
The Ministry of Labor revealed in a report published last year that 87 percent of private sector establishments are in the “white category” of the Nitaqat nationalization scheme.
The “white category” alludes to companies with only 10 employees and which are consequently required to hire only one Saudi.
This translates to a staggering 1.7 million establishments that are essentially excluded from the Kingdom’s nationalization plans aimed at creating employment for Saudi citizens.
Only 265 companies were categorized within the zones of the Nitaqat nationalization program — the red, yellow, green and platinum. This means that only 13 percent of companies fully comply with requirements for job nationalization.
The report pointed out that the ministry would embark on the fourth phase of the wage protection program in March. The move will ensure that employees receive their monthly salaries on time and will curb manipulation in delaying payment.
The fourth phase will include establishments with 500 to 1,000 workers.
“The last phase of the program will be implemented in October on establishments with 100 to 200 workers,” the report said.
The report indicated that the number of recruiting offices increased to 338 last year, compared with only 208 in 2009. Around 40 new offices were opened last year alone.
Nitaqat ‘fails’ to curb remittances
Foreign remittances of expats have risen to SR383.6 billion since the introduction of the Nitaqat nationalization program in 2011. Abdul Hameed Al-Omari, a member of the Saudi Economic Association, revealed this on Saturday.
This marks a 57.8 percent jump in foreign transfers compared to the previous 10 years, he said. “Expats should not be blamed for these transfers as it is their right.”
He added: “If we want to blame someone for the danger it has posed to the economy, it should be government departments, especially the Labor Ministry and big companies.”
He pointed out: “This indicates the ministry’s program was increasing per capita foreign transfers from SR9,200 per month in 2011 to SR10,437 in 2012 and SR12,330 in 2013.”
Al-Omari said the ministry’s efforts to discourage expats to bring families would increase foreign remittances further and reduce their spending in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, personal foreign remittances of Saudis and expats reached SR226.6 billion in 2013, the highest in 20 years, a local Arabic business daily reported, saying the amount was 16.5 percent more than the figure of 2012, when it was SR194.5 billion.
The report said foreign remittances of expats rose by 18 percent in 2013 to SR148 billion against SR125.2 billion in 2012. The hike coincides with an increase in Saudi imports, which amounted to SR841 billion in 2013 against SR807 billion in 2012, registering a 4 percent rise.
“Foreign remittances of non-Saudis for travel purposes decreased 74 percent to SR386 million against SR1.5 billion in 2012,” said the report.
Shoura: Nitaqat failed to yield desired results
JEDDAH: Arab News
Published — Wednesday 29 January 2014
Shoura Council members have criticized the Labor Ministry’s Nitaqat program, saying it has failed to achieve the desired results.
“Companies manipulate the system to give the impression that they have helped Saudis get employed,” a member told the Shoura meeting.
Saeed Al-Asheikh said the achievements of the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) were less than expected.
“Unemployment rates rose to 12.5 percent in 2012 despite the huge amounts of money (SR12 billion) invested with the fund,” he said.
Fahd bin Juma, another member, said the fund’s support to companies has had little impact. “The employment program is focusing on major cities, while job opportunities remain scarce in small cities,” he said. The HRDF is also facing a problem employing Saudis in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Another member said the fund’s investments, which exceed SR12 billion, had poor returns. Shoura members have questioned the fund’s relevance in light of growing unemployment. The HRDF has spent more than SR90 million on plans and studies.
Meanwhile, the Labor Ministry has said that it is planning to nationalize the retail business sector to create at least 42,000 jobs for salesmen, saleswomen and sales supervisors. The ministry expects that Saudis will be able to receive a minimum salary of SR4,500 by taking up these jobs.
“There are a lot of opportunities in the retail sector,” a ministry official said. According to a report, about 16 percent of foreign employees work in the sector. The ministry’s new move is significant in light of statistics that show that 75 percent of Saudi job seekers registered with the HRDF hold only secondary school certificates.
“We will inform Saudi job seekers about opportunities at supermarkets and other retail business areas and train them to work in sales and sale supervision,” the official said.
Morethan 15,000 passports of Indian nationals from the Saudi authorities received by Indian Embassy
Dated: 13 May, 2013
The Embassy has received around 15,000 passports of Indian nationals from the Saudi authorities. Most of these passports have been surrendered by the sponsors of Indian workers to the Saudi authorities. The Embassy has today uploaded a list of these passports (Click to view or click here to view in XL) on its website at www.indianembassy.org.sa.
2. These passports can be collected from the Embassy from 6 PM to 9 PM starting on Monday May 13 to Saturday 18, 2013 except on Friday. All Indian nationals who lost their passports may check their passport number from this list and approach the Embassy with their passport number, serial and packet number as given in the list. A copy of the passport may be brought along to collect the passport. Passport will be returned only to the holder in person and not to any representative.
3. Those who are unable to collect their passports directly may contact the Embassy on its helpline numbers 01 4884697, 01 4881982, 0501699879, 0501700106, 0501699895, 0501699894.
Announcement about Emergency Certificate
Dated: 18 April 2013
The Indian Community Schools in major cities of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will set up collection centres to collect Emergency Certificate (EC) application forms from Indian nationals. The Indian Schools namely IIS Riyadh, IIPS Riyadh, IIS Dammam, IIS Jeddah, IIS Jubail, IIS Buraidah, IIS Al-Khafji, IIS Taif, IIS Majmah and IIS Tabuk will set up Collection Boxes during school working hours starting April 22, 2013. The Embassy is making arrangements to collect these forms from the Schools.
The VFS Centers in Dammam, Jubail, Wadi Al Dawasir, Hail and Buraidah, will also have Collection Boxes in which duly filled in EC application forms may be dropped during working hours. No fee is charged for dropping the EC applications at the Collection Centers.
Every Indian national wanting to leave Saudi Arabia on final exit, but does not have valid Indian or Saudi documents is urged to register with the Embassy by submitting EC application forms so that their cases can be taken up with the Saudi authorities effectively within the framework of applicable Saudi laws, keeping in view the excellent bilateral relations with this country and the welfare of more than two million Indians resident here. It is reiterated that Emergency Certificates will be issued only after the Saudi authorities agree to grant permission for the final exit of the applicants.
The duly filled application forms for Emergency Certificates along with copy of the passport, resident permit and any other document to establish the Indian nationality could also be forwarded by Post/Courier to EC Section, Embassy of India, B-1 Diplomatic Quarter, PO Box 94387, Riyadh - 11693, Saudi Arabia. Please note that mobile numbers and contact numbers are required to be clearly mentioned in the application forms.
The Emergency Certificate forms are available on the Embassy of India website http://www.indianembassy.org.sa/. For any further queries, please e-mail at labour.riyadh@mea.gov.in or call at the 24-hour Embassy helpline numbers i.e. +966-1-4884697 & 4881982.
Fakeih, Rao discuss labor issues
Source: http://www.arabnews.com/news/449106
RIYADH: GHAZANFAR ALI KHAN
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Last Update 23 April 2013 2:58 am
Minister of Labor Adel Fakeih has assured support for Indian workers within the framework of the Kingdom’s laws that guarantee protection for foreign workers.
The assurance for help was given by Fakieh during his meeting with Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao at the Ministry of Labor here yesterday.
Ambassador Rao, who discussed “the welfare of the Indian community in the context of the Nitaqat program”, renewed his pledge to work tirelessly for the workers. He said the talks with the Saudi minister focused on labor issues and other bilateral subjects of common interest. There are over two million Indian expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia at the moment.
Asked about the specifics of his talks with Minister Fakieh, the Indian envoy said: “Let me work quietly … I renew my pledge today again to solve the problems faced by Indian workers.”
In his talks with Fakieh, the ambassador recalled the excellent bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia. He thanked Fakeih for the decision made by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques to give a three-month grace period for those affected by the Nitaqat program to correct their legal status.
“The Indian Embassy urges all Indian nationals affected by the Nitaqat program to fully utilize the three-month grace period to correct their visa status,” said a press statement released by the embassy on this occasion. Those cases where people are not able to correct their legal status may approach the embassy for assistance, it noted. Any specific case, where assistance is required may be forwarded to labor.riyadh@mea.gov.in.
The embassy also urged Indian nationals wanting to leave Saudi Arabia but does not have valid documents to obtain final exit from Saudi authorities and register with the embassy by submitting their Emergency Certificate (EC) application forms.
“Please note that no amnesty has been declared by Saudi authorities,” said the statement.
The embassy reiterated that Emergency Travel Certificates will be issued only after Saudi authorities agree to grant permission for the final exit of applicants. “The embassy is fully committed toward the wellbeing of Indian nationals and will continue to address issues of concern within the framework of applicable Saudi laws,” said the statement.
Tuesday, 2nd April 2013
Indian government is ready to help anyone hit by new Saudi rule on employment
Indian government is ready to help anyone hit by new Saudi rule on employment
Tuesday, 2nd April 2013
Indian government today said it is constantly monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia following the Kingdom’s proposed implementation of the “Nitaqat” (naturalisation) law in its employment sector and help Indian workers there who could be affected by it. The Nitaqat law makes it mandatory for local companies to hire one Saudi national for every 10 migrant workers. There has been widespread perception that the new policy will lead to denial of job opportunities for a large number of expatriates from India.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said whatever needs to be done will be done and that there was no need to panic. "There is a meeting with Vayalar Ravi and E Ahmad tomorrow. We will review this and whatever needs to be done will be done. I think we should not allow this to cause any panic. This is routine stuff that every country does periodically. Whatever assistance is required to any one will be provided," Khurshid said. He said the government is monitoring the situation through its Embassy and is ready to provide assistance to any Indian citizen who needs help. "If somebody has to go to some other country, they have to satisfy the rules and regulations of that country. "There is a discussion to implement the law.
If there is any inconvenience or any distress is caused to any Indian citizen, whatever assistance we can give, we will provide", he said. "Our Ambassador has been in touch with us",” the minister said adding that he is going to meet the Chief Minister of Kerala on April eight to discuss the issue while some MPs from Kerala met him today regarding the matter.
Indian Embassy accepting applications for Out-PassExternal Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said whatever needs to be done will be done and that there was no need to panic. "There is a meeting with Vayalar Ravi and E Ahmad tomorrow. We will review this and whatever needs to be done will be done. I think we should not allow this to cause any panic. This is routine stuff that every country does periodically. Whatever assistance is required to any one will be provided," Khurshid said. He said the government is monitoring the situation through its Embassy and is ready to provide assistance to any Indian citizen who needs help. "If somebody has to go to some other country, they have to satisfy the rules and regulations of that country. "There is a discussion to implement the law.
If there is any inconvenience or any distress is caused to any Indian citizen, whatever assistance we can give, we will provide", he said. "Our Ambassador has been in touch with us",” the minister said adding that he is going to meet the Chief Minister of Kerala on April eight to discuss the issue while some MPs from Kerala met him today regarding the matter.
Published on Apr 02 2013
A number of people have been approaching the Indian Embassy in Diplomatic Quarters for Out Pass (Emergency Certificate). At present, the Embassy is accepting application forms for Out Pass. Out Pass will be issued after completion of formalities including Exit formalities with the Saudi authorities.
Please note that no amnesty has been declared by Saudi authorities. Indian Embassy is in touch with the Saudi authorities and will notify the Indian community if it receives any information in this regard. Out Pass will be issued only after the Saudi authorities agree to grant permission for the final exit of the applicants. Embassy will announce updates on these through media release. A 24-hour Embassy helpline would also provide information on these steps.
Embassy would like to re-iterate that Emergency Certificate is a one-way travel document valid for 3 months only. Those who already have a valid passport need not come to the Embassy.
The Embassy urges the Indian expatriate community not to panic based on inaccurate reports published by some sections of the Indian media. The Embassy is fully committed towards the wellbeing of Indian nationals and will continue to address issues of their concern within the framework of applicable Saudi laws, keeping in view the excellent bilateral relations with this country and the welfare of more than two million Indians resident in Saudi Arabia.
Nitaqat cleanup: 2 million face ax
Jeddah : P.K. Abdul Ghafour
Sunday 24th March 2013
At least 2 million expatriates may lose their jobs or leave the Kingdom shortly as about 250,000 small and medium enterprises will be listed in the Red category of the Labor Ministry’s Nitaqat system on Wednesday.
“About 250,000 trade, industrial and service firms have been given warning that their work permits would not be renewed because they have so far failed to employ at least one Saudi,” Al-Yaum reported yesterday quoting a high-level Labor Ministry source.
The deadline given to these SMEs to correct their situation ends Wednesday. The ministry had asked these firms to employ at least one Saudi to change their status and receive the ministry’s various services.
The source said the ministry would not renew work permits of employees in Red category firms and as a result their iqamas would not be renewed. According to a new law passed by the Cabinet, such iqama violators will be arrested and deported by the Interior Ministry.
The source said the ministry would provide regional governorates a list of SMEs that have so far failed to employ Saudis to take punitive action.
About a month ago, there were 340,000 firms without even a single Saudi working there. These firms have been given a deadline to correct their situation by March 27.
Saudi Arabia has deported more than 200,000 foreigners staying illegally in the country in four months, Passport Department officials said. The deportees included people who were smuggled into the country and expatriates who did not regularize their stay or were not allowed to renew their resident permits.
A majority of 250,000 firms in the Kingdom are involved in illegal cover-up businesses. The new law passed by the Cabinet targets such businesses and those involved in such activities would be punished.
“What is happening in Saudi Arabia now is a cleaning operation,” said Usman Irumpuzhi, an Indian journalist based in Jeddah. “This is a move against illegal workers and businesses, not against expatriates. The companies in the Premium and Green categories are still allowed to recruit foreign workers,” he told Arab News.
He said many Indians have already left the Kingdom on exit only visas because of the new regulations. “According to some sources, at least 100 Indians are leaving Jeddah every day on exit-only visas. This will definitely create a shortage in the number of workers and prices of goods and services will go up,” he added.
Emergency Certificate (EC) from Indian Embassy
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Embassy of India in Riyadh has been receiving queries from the Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia regarding media reports of a likely ‘Amnesty’ to be announced by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allowing expatriates, who have overstayed beyond their visa period, to exit the Kingdom without penal action. The Embassy would like to clarify that it has not received any communication in this regard from the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Embassy would notify the expatriate community if any such notification is received.
The Embassy would like to further inform all Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia that the travel document (Emergency Certificate) issued during any Amnesty is meant for one way return journey to India only. Those Indian nationals who possess valid passports need not apply for Emergency Certificate during Amnesty.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh has been receiving queries from the Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia regarding media reports of a likely ‘Amnesty’ to be announced by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allowing expatriates, who have overstayed beyond their visa period, to exit the Kingdom without penal action. The Embassy would like to clarify that it has not received any communication in this regard from the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Embassy would notify the expatriate community if any such notification is received.
The Embassy would like to further inform all Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia that the travel document (Emergency Certificate) issued during any Amnesty is meant for one way return journey to India only. Those Indian nationals who possess valid passports need not apply for Emergency Certificate during Amnesty.
Labor Ministry plans to retire foreigners at 60
Monday, March 04, 2013 8:12 AM
Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — The Ministry of Labor has drafted a new law recommending the termination of the services of expatriates who turn 60.
Expatriates over 60 who enjoy considerable experience in a field that is important to the Kingdom will be exempt from the law, Al-Madinah newspaper reported on Sunday.
An informed source said the ministry and all concerned authorities including relevant committees at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry discussed all important aspects of the law before sending it to the higher authorities for approval.
Chairman of the human resources committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. Samir Hassan said it is important new legislation is in place to facilitate the process of replacing expatriates who turn 60 with Saudi employees.
He said authorities should prevent any expatriates from circumventing the law by changing their date of birth in their passports.
He called on authorities to start working on the criteria they would use to exempt expatriates with rare specialties from the law.
Dr. Amal Shira, deputy chairperson of the human resources committee, said she did not understand how the social insurance system stipulated that Saudis who reach 60 should be retired, while it allows expatriates to work beyond this age.
Shira estimated the number of expatriates over 60 working in the private sector at half a million.
She called for speeding up the implementation of the new law and considering the implementation of other rules such as preventing expatriates over 55 from being recruited.
She said 25 years should be the maximum period an expatriate can work in the Kingdom. Older expatriates with considerable experience should pass their knowledge to Saudis and should not be allowed to renew their work permits.
Older expatriates granted an exemption from the proposed law should be allowed to stay five or 10 years depending on their qualifications, she said.
Expat housewives must stay at home: Labor Ministry
Saudi Gazette report
Saturday 02nd March, 2013
DAMMAM – The Ministry of Labor has officially warned expatriates against allowing their wives who are in the Kingdom as housewives to work in the private sector and said it considers anyone on a dependent visa working in the private sector as a violation of the residency laws and regulations of the Kingdom.
It further said residency permits (iqamas) clearly stipulate that dependents are not allowed to seek employment since they do not hold work permits, press reports said on Friday.
“Expatriate women’s work in the private sector is not approved by the ministry’s regulations. It is impermissible for any expatriate woman who has come to the Kingdom for any purpose other than work to be employed in any job. This regulation applies to all dependents,” said Hattab Al-Enezi, the official spokesman of the Ministry of Labor.
“Expatriates who have work visas are not permitted to work for anyone other than their sponsors. Also, they cannot work in any profession other than the one they have been recruited for,” he added.
Al-Enezi said the ministry’s inspectors have not detected any violations committed by expatriate women working in the private sector. He drew attention to the fact that inspectors carry out field tours in different sectors to ensure compliance with the country’s labor laws.
The Ministry of Labor’s latest warning comes after several companies were accused of employing expatriate women on dependent visas to work in managerial and marketing jobs in malls, hospitals and private schools in a clear violation of the labor law.
Khulood Al-Tamimi, head of the women’s section at the Council of Saudi Chambers, said the section is presently focusing its efforts on employing Saudi women in a variety of jobs.
Duty Free import limit of jewellery via passenger baggage raise
Friday 01st March, 2013
The rule has been amended for Indian passenger who has been residing abroad for over an year or a person who is transferring his residence to India.
To prevent harassment to
passengers , the government today proposed increasing the limit of duty-free
import of jewellery via passenger baggage to Rs 50,000 for males and Rs
1,00,000 for females. The rule has been amended for Indian passenger who has
been residing abroad for over an year or a person who is transferring his
residence to India.
"Gold prices have
risen since (1991), and passengers have complained of harasment. Hence, I
propose to raise the duty-free limit to Rs 50,000 in the case of a male
passenger and Rs 1,00,000 in the case of a female passenger, subject to the
usual conditions," Finance Minister P Chidambaram said in his Budget
speech for 2013-14 fiscal.
Since 1991, the
passenger limit for bringing jewellery has been Rs 10,000 for males and Rs
20,000 for females.
The limit of duty free
allowance for bringing jewellery for crew member of vessel and aircraft has
also been enhanced from Rs 600 to Rs 1,500.
With regard to import of
precious stones and gems by traders, the government proposed reduction in
import duty from 10% to 2% on pre-forms of precious and semi-precious stones.
However, import duty on
gold was not enhanced from the current level of 6%, giving some respite to
jewellery industry.
But to discourage people
to invest in gold and thereby curb current account deficit, the government
offered incentives for first home buyers and announced new financial
instruments for protecting savings from inflation.
Emphasising that
household sector must be incentivised to save in financial instruments rather
than buy gold, Chidambaram proposed three-pronged strategy to encourage people
to park their funds in other financial schemes.
Firstly, the Rajiv
Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme will be liberalised to enable the first time
investor to invest in mutual funds as well as listed shares and she can do so,
not in one year alone, but in three successive years. The income limit will be
raised from Rs 10,00,000 to Rs 12,00,000.
Secondly, a person
taking a loan for his first home from a bank or a housing finance corporation
upto Rs 25,00,000 during the 2013-14 fiscal will be entitled to an additional
deduction of interest of upto Rs 1,00,000.
"This will promote
home ownership and give a fillip to a number of industries like steel, cement,
brick, wood and glass besides jobs to thousands of construction workers,"
he said.
Thirdly, Chidambaram
announced, "In consultation with RBI, I propose to introduce instruments
that will protect savings from inflation, especially the savings of the poor
and middle classes. These could be Inflation Indexed Bonds or Inflation Indexed
National Security Certificates."
India, the world's
largest consumer of gold jewellery, is estimated to have imported 750 tonnes of
gold in 2012 and an additional 200 tonnes was believed to have been imported
through unofficial channel, taking the total to almost 2011 level of 969
tonnes.
Passports to cost more from October 1st, 2012
The government on Friday raised normal passport fee by Rs 500 and Tatkal passport fee by Rs 1,000.While normal passport will now be available for Rs 1,500, the cost of Tatkal passport will go up to Rs 3,500.
For citizens living abroad, the revised fee would be $75 (from $40) and euro 60 (from euro 48) for normal applications.
The new rates will be applicable from October 1. The last time rates were revised was in 2012.During the last few years, MEA has been engaged in comprehensive reforms in delivery of passport services as envisioned under Passport Seva Project - a citizen-centric e-governance initiative as part of the National e-Governance Plan.
The government on Friday raised normal passport fee by Rs 500 and Tatkal passport fee by Rs 1,000.While normal passport will now be available for Rs 1,500, the cost of Tatkal passport will go up to Rs 3,500.
For citizens living abroad, the revised fee would be $75 (from $40) and euro 60 (from euro 48) for normal applications.
The new rates will be applicable from October 1. The last time rates were revised was in 2012.During the last few years, MEA has been engaged in comprehensive reforms in delivery of passport services as envisioned under Passport Seva Project - a citizen-centric e-governance initiative as part of the National e-Governance Plan.
For citizens living abroad, the revised fee would be $75 (from $40) and euro 60 (from euro 48) for normal applications.
The new rates will be applicable from October 1. The last time rates were revised was in 2012.During the last few years, MEA has been engaged in comprehensive reforms in delivery of passport services as envisioned under Passport Seva Project - a citizen-centric e-governance initiative as part of the National e-Governance Plan.
User’s ID number now required to recharge prepaid mobile phones
JEDDAH: HASSAN CHERUPPA
Wednesday 4th July, 2012
Source: http://www.arabnews.com/user%E2%80%99s-id-number-now-required-recharge-prepaid-mobile-phones
The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has
announced that entering a user’s ID number, together with a prepaid card number,
would be mandatory to charge a cell phone’s credit or transfer money from the
user’s credit to that of another subscriber starting July 31. In a press
statement, the telecom regulator said the new procedure aims to end the practice
of anonymous persons misusing SIM cards.
In the new system, a consumer
should enter his ID or Iqama number immediately after entering the prepaid card
number to recharge the phone’s credit. It would not be possible to recharge
without entering the ID number. The telecom regulator warned citizens and
expatriates against using any prepaid SIM card with an unknown identity.
“The information supplied by subscribers while buying a SIM card must be
correct and updated. It would not be possible either to charge or transfer
credit if the users do not enter the same ID or Iqama number that they had
furnished while subscribing to the service,” the statement said, adding that the
new procedure is part of the commission’s efforts to contain the spread of
illegal prepaid cards.
The regulator urged those who want more information
or details about this to contact the service provider through its customer care
offices, contact centers or website. The commission disclosed that it has
completed all the necessary procedures and arrangements to enforce this
decision.
A few months ago, Abdullah Al-Darrab, governor of CITC, reiterated
the commission’s resolve to go ahead with introducing this system. He also noted
that the telecommunications companies in the Kingdom had asked for a time period
to introduce the system in order to make the necessary changes in their system
to support the regulation.
The CITC chief said that anonymous SIM cards were
posing a severe threat to the security of the nation and the society as well. He
urged all citizens and foreigners in the Kingdom not to buy such SIM cards to
avoid the complications and dangers that might be involved in them. He also said
that buying anonymous SIM cards is a clear violation of the law and that
violators would face penal action.
JEDDAH: HASSAN CHERUPPA
Wednesday 4th July, 2012Source: http://www.arabnews.com/user%E2%80%99s-id-number-now-required-recharge-prepaid-mobile-phones
The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has
announced that entering a user’s ID number, together with a prepaid card number,
would be mandatory to charge a cell phone’s credit or transfer money from the
user’s credit to that of another subscriber starting July 31. In a press
statement, the telecom regulator said the new procedure aims to end the practice
of anonymous persons misusing SIM cards.
In the new system, a consumer
should enter his ID or Iqama number immediately after entering the prepaid card
number to recharge the phone’s credit. It would not be possible to recharge
without entering the ID number. The telecom regulator warned citizens and
expatriates against using any prepaid SIM card with an unknown identity.
“The information supplied by subscribers while buying a SIM card must be
correct and updated. It would not be possible either to charge or transfer
credit if the users do not enter the same ID or Iqama number that they had
furnished while subscribing to the service,” the statement said, adding that the
new procedure is part of the commission’s efforts to contain the spread of
illegal prepaid cards.
The regulator urged those who want more information
or details about this to contact the service provider through its customer care
offices, contact centers or website. The commission disclosed that it has
completed all the necessary procedures and arrangements to enforce this
decision.
A few months ago, Abdullah Al-Darrab, governor of CITC, reiterated
the commission’s resolve to go ahead with introducing this system. He also noted
that the telecommunications companies in the Kingdom had asked for a time period
to introduce the system in order to make the necessary changes in their system
to support the regulation.
The CITC chief said that anonymous SIM cards were
posing a severe threat to the security of the nation and the society as well. He
urged all citizens and foreigners in the Kingdom not to buy such SIM cards to
avoid the complications and dangers that might be involved in them. He also said
that buying anonymous SIM cards is a clear violation of the law and that
violators would face penal action.
How to obtain PCC Certificate from Indian Embassy Riyadh?
The fee to obtain this certificate from Indian Embassy is SAR 40 only.
Procedure :
Procedure :
- Print and fill the FORM 2 (Miscellaneous form can be download from Indian Embassy website) and attach your Passport and Iqama copy along with it and submit it to the Indian Embassy Riyadh.
- The Indian Embassy will verify and will provide a No Objection Letter (NOC).
- This NOC should be stamped by the Foreign Ministry and should be submitted in Deira Crime Department (Riyadh) to avail the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
For more information :
Contact PCC Department of Indian Embassy Riyadh
Telephone : +966 1 4884144 Ext:- 116
Website : http://www.indianembassy.org.sa/Content.aspx?ID=735&PID=687
Expats facing special gold scans at major Indian airports
NRIs wearing gold jewellery valued at over Dh1,400 now being asked to pay tax
Travellers to India are being searched for gold ornaments by customs officials at major airports across the country.
An Indian law dating back to the 1960s states that those travelling to
India are supposed to pay tax for carrying any gold valued at more than
Rs20,000 (Dh1,379).
What’s strange is that a man is allowed to carry 50 per cent less gold
in comparison to a female traveller, on his person as jewellery.
Indian airports have been conducting stringent checks on most travellers
and asking them to shell out duty for any gold ornaments over the
stipulated amount.
Last week two Indian men, including a groom who was on his way to India for his wedding, was stopped at the airport by customs.
“I had to negotiate and argue with them for almost 45 minutes to an hour," said Santosh from Bangalore.
According to Sreedhar MK from Thrissur, popularly known as the gold
district in Kerala, an Indian woman on an average wears a gold chain
weighing at least 16 to 25 grams.
“With gold prices on the rise, any Indian women will end up paying customs duty at airports in India,” he said.
Today’s value of gold is Dh187.50 for a gram and a 16 gram chain will cost Dh3,000.
India’s Customs and Central Excise Rules 1967 stipulates that a man
travelling to India can bring gold ornaments worth Rs 10,000 while a
woman is allowed to bring gold worth a maximum of Rs 20,000.
Customs duty will be charged on additional value.
There has also been a reported increase in gold "smuggling" into India.
Earlier this month, customs officials at Chennai in southern India seized three kgs of gold concealed in baby diapers.
The passenger, an Indian resident flying from Paris was arrested following the seizure.
On April 21, customs officials at Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat arrested a
Mumbai resident and seized 1.2 kilograms of gold. The passenger was
travelling from UAE.
Rising gold prices reopen India smuggling route
In the 1970s and 80s in India, you could not hear a story, see a film or
know a gangster that was not burnished by some small (or tall) tale of
gold being smuggled from the Middle East.
The economies of scale – heavy duty on gold in India, relatively cheap
gold in the Gulf and a maritime route to India that Somali pirates of
today would relish - made it an attractive risk.
Then, India liberalised, and smuggling the metal no longer made economic sense.
Circa 2008. Global economic crash leads to major spike in gold prices.
Now, gold seems to be the only asset with any lasting value.
Suddenly, Indian authorities see a spike in undeclared gold being
smuggled into the country from places like the Gulf, and even as far
away as Hong Kong.
Two Indians were arrested recently for carrying large quantities of undeclared gold from the Gulf.
Indian media also reported that customs officials at Chennai airport had
earlier arrested four people in different incidents and confiscated
about 15kg of gold valued at about Dh2million (Rs 2.68 crore)
People of Indian origin are allowed to carry upto 10kg of gold provided
they pay a duty of Rs300 (about
Dh25) for 10grams if it is ornaments and
Rs750 (Dh70) for 10gm in case of bars.
A Gulf-based businessman, was arrested by customs officials in an Indian airport when he was found carrying 2.5kg of gold.
The gold is valued in India at around Dh474,000.
Speaking to 'Emirates24|7', a senior customs official in Mumbai said the issue is being investigated.
“The rules are very clear. For those purchasing gold valued at over
Indian Rs40 lakh (Dh400,000), it is no big deal to pay a few thousands
as customs fee. But they refuse to declare the gold as they do not want
to reveal the source of income,” said an assistant commissioner at the
Commissioner’s office for Customs in Mumbai.
The 47-year-old garment businessman Badrul Munir Ambidatti from Kannur district in Kerala was travelling to Pune.
According to reports quoting customs officials in Pune, the gold is worth Rs63lakh (Dh630,000).
He has been remanded to custody until October 28.
According to officials the incident could have been easily gone
undetected if not for suspicious movement by the passenger, who had
hidden the gold ornaments in his socks.
Some officials found Ambidatti’s movements suspicious and checked his
baggage thoroughly. The accused had hidden gold ornaments in his socks.
Police believe there could be more people involved in the racket.
Another Indian businessman, a developer, was arrested in Mumbai airport for carrying gold worth Dh158,000.
Amol Ferreira, was travelling to Mumbai and was arrested as he was trying to leave the airport without declaring the product.
Jewellery traders in the UAE said that the real motive behind the
non-declaration of gold imports may not be to avoid paying customs duty.
“It is to basically to hide black money and unofficial sources of
income. Today gold is the most preferred form of investment and there
are many cases where people from India come to the Gulf to shop for gold
and either take it back with them or send it through other trusted
passengers,” said an owner of a leading chain of gold and jewellery
stores in Dubai.
When asked if it is common for high volume purchases he said, “We are
not allowed to sell one kilogram gold bars. Biscuits and ornaments can
be purchased for any amount. It is not very common for people to
purchase for more than Dh500,000 or one million. At least it has never
happened in any of my stores.
Guidelines issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs in India
states that for the purpose of customs clearance of arriving passengers,
a two-channel system has been adopted wherein green channel is for
passengers not having any dutiable goods and red channel is for
passengers having dutiable goods.
“Passengers walking through the green channel with dutiable or
prohibited goods are liable to prosecution and penalty and confiscation
of goods. One of the businessman was arrested because he was trying to
walk through the green channel,” said the customs official.
Skills test will decide issuance of iqama
Tuesday April 17th, 2012
Source : http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article613520.ece
The Ministry of Labor will issue work permits to foreigners on the basis of their performance in the professional skills tests to be conducted by authorities in due course, according to a senior government official.
The workers need not submit any academic or technical certificates showing their qualifications and experience prior to sitting the test, according to Saad Al-Shayeb, director of the Department for Professional Skills Testing at the state-owned Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC).
He said a consortium led by AwalNet, a leading Internet service provider in the Kingdom, has won the contract worth SR6 billion to undertake the skills testing of more than 6 million foreigners in the Kingdom.
Speaking to Arab News, he said the company has already embarked on this massive task by analyzing the scheme and working out necessary rules and procedures for the test. Al-Shayeb also noted foreigners who fail the test would be given another chance.
In an interview with Arab News, Al-Shayeb spoke at length about various aspects of TVTC’s plan to carry out skills testing. He said the scheme, which aims to increase the professional efficiency and competence of workers in various trades, would be implemented on a PPP (public-private partnership) basis by the end of March next year. “Apart from the foreign workers, passing the test would also be mandatory for those who come on a new labor visa into the Kingdom,” he said.
Shedding more light on the scheme, Al-Shayeb said the test would offer foreigners a new opportunity to improve their skills and consolidate their expertise in their respective fields. It would also help those who have acquired professional competence without obtaining any academic certificate or formal education and training.
Al-Shayeb noted that many foreigners are engaged in jobs other than the original trade on their employment visa. “The scheme to test workers’ skills and issuing work permits on the basis of the test results would contribute substantially to putting an end to this phenomenon and a number of other labor law violations. This has become a matter of serious concern for decision makers at the ministry,” he said.
About the fate of those who fail the tests after their arrival in the Kingdom, Al-Shayeb said the scheme mainly aims at improving the professional competence and work quality of foreigners.
“Of course, this would have a positive impact on the quality of service offered in the Kingdom by the foreign work force. This would also serve the interests of foreigners in the sense that they can improve their skills and expertise after identifying and rectifying their shortcomings,” he said, adding foreigners who fail the test would be provided with training to acquire the required skills and then appear for the test a second time.
Al-Shayeb also noted the rules and regulations for the scheme would be worked out in a way serving the interests of both citizens and foreigners. “TVTC would strengthen its cooperation with all agencies concerned at the ministry to ensure effective implementation of the scheme. We will take advantage of the statistical figures available with these agencies regarding the number of foreigners in trades in which Saudization is to be given prominence as well as the professions involving safety requirements, besides professional standards,” he said, adding the private sector is playing a pivotal role in drafting these professional criteria.
TVTC started elaborate preparations to test workers’ skills following a decision by the Council of Ministers. In an earlier decision, the Cabinet had entrusted the Ministry of Labor to proceed with the scheme to verify the professional competence of foreigners in the local employment market to serve the nation and people in the best possible manner.
Al-Shayeb’s department conducted several comparative studies and took advantage of local and international experiments in professional skills testing while working out the mechanism for the test that would be based on CBI (computer-based instructions) with a focus on practical evaluation. The scheme and its trial process will be complete within 10 months, paving the way for its actual implementation by the end of March 2013.
Fingerprint enrollment of female expats begins from 31st March, 2012
The Saudi's Passport and Immigration department Saturday announced that, they launching fingerprint enrollment/registration project for female expats in the country.
This enrollment process will be done at all passport offices across the country and the 1st phase may start with the new resident permits (iqama) or any expats transfer their sponsorship or going to change his/her profession in iqama or even new iqama issuance if lost.
The department is ready to carry-out the enrollment/registration of fingerprint process. The authorities inform the companies/firms to advise their female expats workers to approach the nearest passport office/department to complete the enrollment process.
The documents required to get register/enrolled is valid Iqama. You need to visit the nearest enrollment center and fulfill the following formalities in order to get register:
1. Verification of document (Iqama)
2. Bio-metric Scanning of Ten Fingerprints
3. Bio-metric Scanning of Iris (Both Eyes)
3. Photograph will be captured at the center
The passport and immigration department asked to visit their website (www.gdp.gov.sa) to know your nearest center where fingerprinting enrollment/registration facility is available, but the complete website is in Arabic language and English version is not available. Most of the expatriates are non-arabic and they don't understand the information mentioned on the website.
The aim of the project is :
- Building a central database (fingerprints) of all Saudi citizens, expats in
- Speeding-up the process of identity verification
- Reducing illegal over-stayed expats
The benefit of this system is to enable the security officers or police to verify the identity of any person in less than (5) seconds if stopped anywhere at check point. Later it will be linked with the database a similar type of reading devices will be installed in police vehicles to confirm the identity of any person.
Fingerprint enrollment of male expatriates has been done before two years. The process had been run for many months with hundreds of people saw standing in serpentine queues at Jawazaat offices in conveniently under the sun and at above 40 degree temperatures. Many people were coming to Jawazaat offices immediately after the fajar prayer to get first number at the entrance gate. I also went three times to get enroll finally on the last day after five hours waiting in a queue I get enrolled.
Saudi government wants all passports Machine-Readable by 24th Nov., 2012
Saudi government wants all passports Machine-Readable by 24th November, 2012 . All expats residing in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
The Consulate General of India has asked all Indians who holds hand-written passport to submit at authorized outsourced agencies (VFS / Al-Fifa / Al-Tayyar) and apply for new machine-readable passport irrespective of the expiry date.
Consulate General of India Saudi Arabia
The consulate has allotted a telephone number 02-6513649 for any help in the above said matters.
These are the following things which are required to change hand-written passport to machine readable
- Passport size (4) photographs
- Valid iqama copy
- Fees SR. 190/-
Please note that, information of old passport must be transferred on new machine readable passport in Jawazaat which is called 'Naqal Maloomat' through your sponsor or his representative.
Please note that without computerized passport you can't travel after 24th November, 2012 .
Deported foreigners will not get new visas for Saudi Arabia
March 17th, 2012
Deported foreigners will not get new visas for Saudi Arabia
March 17th, 2012
The Saudi government soon make computerized links between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior and the Saudi Diplomatic Missions abroad to make sure that, foreigners banned for entering the Kingdom will not be granted new visas by the Saudi Embassies or Saudi Consulates. Because it has been noted re-entry that due to unavailable of computerized links, the Saudi Embassies or Saudi Consulates stamping visas who have criminal records and deported and banned from Saudi Arabic on his/her last visit. But Saudi Embassies or Saudi Consulates are not aware of their records stamping visas and after arriving at the Kingdom's Airports they were prevented for entry in Saudi Arabia.