Saudi Arabia has begun automatic extension of visas and residency permits for expats stranded abroad as a result of Covid-19 travel restrictions, according to reports.
The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has started extending the iqamats of expatriates still staying abroad, as well as the validity of exit/return visas and visit visas for free until July 31, in accordance with Saudi King Salman Abdulaziz’s orders.
The General Directorate of Passports noted that the extension is only for 20 countries from which arrivals were suspended earlier this year due to the Covid-19 outbreak there.
Saudi Arabia banned flights with 20 nations in February, with the exemption of Saudis, diplomats, and health personnel.
Arrivals from other nations who transited any of the 20 countries during the 14 days prior to seeking to enter Saudi Arabia were also subject to the ban.
