Amidst the rising Covid 19 cases across the world and to safeguard the country against the same, Saudi Arabia has extended the validity of residency permits. This includes people who are staying outside the kingdom along with the exit and re-entry visas for the visitors.
Extension Extends To People Staying Abroad With Travel Restrictions
As per the latest reports, Saudi Arabia has extended the validity of the permits (iqamas) provided to the residents and the visas for the people who are staying abroad amidst travel restrictions.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the extension has been made free of uncharge until June 2. This comes as a measure to curb the spread of Covid 19 in the Kingdom. The extension has been issued by the Minister of Finance to not only protect their citizens but also to mitigate the economic and financial effects of the Covid 19 global pandemic.
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PA further reported that the immigration authority confirmed that the extension will take place in collaboration with the National Information Centres.
Saudi Arabia Suspends Entry Into Kingdom From 20 Countries
As a measure to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 across the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia suspended entry from 20 countries. It includes the United Arabia Emirates, Germany, India, Argentina, Sweden, Lebanon, Egypt, France, Switzerland, Pakistan, USA, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Portugal, Brazil, United Kingdom, Japan, Turkey and Indonesia.
Then in May, the Kingdom eased the travel ban for the vaccinated citizens. The kingdom has vaccinated close to 11.5 million residents with at least the first jab of the Covid 19 vaccine. This makes them eligible to depart the country. Along with them, people who have recently recovered from Covid 19 and children under the age of 18 years with travel insurance are also allowed to travel abroad.
However, Saudi travellers will be required to show their health statuses to the airport officials via the government’s health app, Tawakkalna.
