Saudi Arabia Begins Yemeni Status Regularization

The General Directorate of Passports will begin regularizing the status of Yemeni nationals present in Saudi Arabia illegally on Sunday, October 11, in a two-month process covering all regions of the Kingdom, in cooperation with relevant authorities. The initiative follows directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued in response to a request from Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi.

Context and Background

The regularization process underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian values and regional stability, offering a path to legal status for Yemeni nationals. It is implemented by the General Directorate of Passports, under the Ministry of Interior, and involves coordination with various government entities. The move reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to address the situation in Yemen and support those affected by the conflict.

Key Details

The regularization covers four categories. First, individuals without Yemeni documents or passports will receive a free six-month visit visa, requiring an appointment through the Absher platform and proof of Yemeni nationality. Second, holders of expired visitor IDs or visas with registered biometric data will have them extended electronically for six months, without visiting a passport office, provided they have a valid passport. Third, individuals with expired residency permits (iqamas) and valid travel documents may transfer to employers via digital platforms such as Absher, Qiwa, and Musaned, or obtain a final exit visa without re-entry restrictions. Fourth, those reported absent from work with valid travel documents can correct their status by canceling the report and transferring to other employers through Qiwa or Musaned.

The directorate announced that 23 status-correction centers for violators of border security regulations will operate across Saudi Arabia: four in Riyadh, three each in Aseer and Eastern Region, two each in Makkah, Jazan, and Al-Jouf, and one each in Najran, Madinah, Al-Baha, Northern Borders, Tabuk, Qassim, and Hail.

Implications and Impact

This initiative is expected to positively impact thousands of Yemeni nationals, providing them with legal stability and access to services. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s labor market by allowing transfers to employers in need, while enhancing regional cooperation and humanitarian efforts. The process aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of fostering a safe and organized society and strengthening international partnerships.

Vision 2030 Alignment

By facilitating the regularization of Yemeni nationals, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its dedication to Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing quality of life, promoting economic participation, and maintaining regional security. This step further solidifies the Kingdom’s role as a leader in humanitarian initiatives and sustainable development.

20 Questions

Q1. When does the regularization process for Yemeni nationals begin?

A1. The process begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and will last for two months, covering all regions of Saudi Arabia.

Q2. Who announced the regularization?

A2. The General Directorate of Passports announced the process, following directives from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in response to a request from Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi.

Q3. Which categories of Yemeni nationals are covered?

A3. Four categories: those without Yemeni documents, holders of expired visitor IDs or visas, individuals with expired residency permits, and those reported absent from work.

Q4. What is provided to individuals without Yemeni documents?

A4. They will be granted a free six-month visit visa, requiring an appointment through the Absher platform and proof of Yemeni nationality.

Q5. How can holders of expired visitor IDs or visas extend their stay?

A5. Their IDs or visas will be extended electronically for six months without visiting a passport office, provided they have a valid passport and registered biometric data.

Q6. What options are available for individuals with expired iqamas?

A6. They may transfer to employers via Absher, Qiwa, or Musaned platforms, or obtain a final exit visa without re-entry restrictions.

Q7. What can individuals reported absent from work do?

A7. They can correct their status by canceling the report and transferring to other employers through Qiwa for professional workers or Musaned for domestic workers.

Q8. How many status-correction centers will operate?

A8. 23 centers will operate across Saudi Arabia: four in Riyadh, three each in Aseer and Eastern Region, two each in Makkah, Jazan, and Al-Jouf, and one each in Najran, Madinah, Al-Baha, Northern Borders, Tabuk, Qassim, and Hail.

Q9. Is there a fee for the six-month visit visa?

A9. No, the visit visa is free for eligible individuals without Yemeni documents.

Q10. Do applicants need to visit government offices?

A10. Most processes can be completed online through Absher and other platforms, though first-time applicants may need to attend a regularization center.

Q11. What proof of Yemeni nationality is required?

A11. A passport or a travel document issued by the Yemeni embassy is required as proof of nationality.

Q12. Can individuals with expired iqamas leave Saudi Arabia?

A12. Yes, they can obtain a final exit visa with no restrictions on re-entering Saudi Arabia in the future.

Q13. What is Absher?

A13. Absher is a digital platform by the Ministry of Interior for various government services, including appointments and status regularization.

Q14. What is Qiwa?

A14. Qiwa is a platform by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for labor services, including transferring sponsorship for professional workers.

Q15. What is Musaned?

A15. Musaned is a platform for domestic labor services, facilitating transfers and other procedures for domestic workers.

Q16. How long will the regularization process last?

A16. The process will last for two months from the start date, covering all regions of Saudi Arabia.

Q17. Who is eligible for the free visit visa?

A17. Yemeni nationals who do not hold Yemeni documents or passports and are present in Saudi Arabia illegally.

Q18. What happens to biometric data for holders of expired IDs?

A18. If biometric data is already registered, their IDs or visas will be extended electronically without the need to visit a passport office.

Q19. Can individuals reported absent from work transfer to other employers?

A19. Yes, they can transfer through Qiwa or Musaned after canceling the absence report, provided their travel documents are valid.

Q20. How does this initiative align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A20. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting social stability, economic participation, and regional cooperation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian leadership and commitment to sustainable development.

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