Passports Director Launches New Absher E-Services

Riyadh, February 27, 2025 — Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, General Director of Passports, officially launched several new electronic services on the Absher platform on Thursday, in collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA). The announcement, released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), marks another significant step in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing digital transformation journey, expanding the scope and convenience of government services available to citizens and residents. The new services include the renewal of residency permits (iqamas) for mothers of Saudi citizens, the addition of dependents, and the cancellation of expired exit and re-entry visas — all accessible through the Absher platform, the Kingdom’s flagship digital government services portal.

For millions of residents, citizens, and families across the Kingdom, this development represents more than a technical upgrade. It reflects a broader national commitment to harnessing technology for the benefit of the people, reducing bureaucratic friction, and delivering government services with speed, accuracy, and dignity. How often have residents found themselves navigating complex paperwork simply to renew a permit or update a family record? With these new Absher services, those days are steadily becoming a thing of the past. The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s determination to build a digitally empowered society, where access to essential services is just a few taps away.

Context and Background

The Absher platform, developed and maintained by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with SDAIA, has long been recognized as one of the most successful digital government initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa region. Since its launch, Absher has evolved from a basic e-services portal into a comprehensive digital ecosystem offering hundreds of services — from passport renewals and visa management to traffic violations, labor services, and civil affairs. The platform now serves millions of users annually, processing transactions that would otherwise require in-person visits to government offices. The launch of these new services by the General Directorate of Passports is a direct extension of that legacy, aimed at addressing specific needs within the residency and dependents framework.

Why does the timing of this launch matter? The Kingdom is experiencing a period of unprecedented demographic and economic transformation, driven by Vision 2030. As more expatriates and their families choose to live and work in Saudi Arabia, the demand for efficient, transparent, and accessible residency services has grown exponentially. Mothers of Saudi citizens, in particular, represent a segment that often required tailored administrative processes. By digitizing the renewal of their residency permits and simplifying dependent additions, the General Directorate of Passports is responding directly to the evolving needs of a diverse and growing population. This aligns with the national objective of enhancing quality of life and ensuring that all residents — regardless of nationality — can manage their affairs with ease and confidence.

Key Details of the New E-Services

The newly launched services on Absher cover three primary areas. First, the renewal of residency permits for mothers of Saudi citizens, which allows eligible beneficiaries to complete the renewal process electronically without visiting a passport office. Second, the addition of dependents, enabling sponsors to add family members to their residency records through a streamlined digital workflow. Third, the cancellation of expired exit and re-entry visas, which provides a clear and efficient mechanism for resolving outdated travel documentation. Each of these services is designed to reduce processing times, eliminate paperwork, and increase the accuracy of electronic transactions. The integration with SDAIA’s national data infrastructure ensures that identity verification and eligibility checks are performed securely and in real time.

Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba emphasized that these services are part of a continuous effort to improve the beneficiary experience and keep pace with the latest technological advancements. The collaboration with SDAIA highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in achieving national digital goals. SDAIA, established by royal decree in 2019, is responsible for driving Saudi Arabia’s data and artificial intelligence agenda, and its involvement guarantees that the new services adhere to the highest standards of data security, privacy, and user-centric design. The result is a suite of services that not only saves time and effort but also enhances the overall trust in government digital platforms.

International and Regional Impact

Saudi Arabia’s digital government achievements, particularly through Absher, have attracted attention far beyond the Kingdom’s borders. International organizations and regional governments frequently cite Absher as a model for e-government excellence, noting its scale, reliability, and user adoption rates. The launch of these new services reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a regional leader in digital transformation and public sector innovation. For expatriate communities, the news signals that Saudi Arabia remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all residents, a factor that enhances the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a destination for talent, investment, and tourism. In a competitive global landscape, the ability to offer seamless digital services is a significant advantage.

Moreover, the collaboration between the General Directorate of Passports and SDAIA demonstrates how integrated government efforts can yield tangible benefits for the public. Other nations in the Gulf and the broader Middle East are closely watching Saudi Arabia’s progress, and many are seeking to replicate elements of the Absher model in their own digital strategies. The Kingdom’s willingness to share expertise and engage in international partnerships further strengthens its soft power and diplomatic standing. As Saudi Arabia continues to host major global events and welcome millions of visitors, the efficiency of its digital infrastructure becomes a crucial component of the national brand — one that communicates modernity, competence, and hospitality.

Economic and Strategic Significance

From an economic perspective, the digitization of residency and visa services contributes to a more productive and business-friendly environment. When administrative processes are fast and predictable, employers can onboard foreign talent more quickly, and families can settle without unnecessary delays. This directly supports the private sector, which relies on a steady inflow of skilled professionals to drive growth and innovation. The new Absher services also reduce the administrative burden on government offices, allowing resources to be redirected toward higher-value activities. Over time, these efficiencies translate into cost savings for both the public and private sectors, and they enhance the Kingdom’s overall competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investment.

Strategically, the launch aligns with the National Transformation Program and the broader Vision 2030 objective of building a digital society and a robust digital economy. Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets for digital government services, aiming to rank among the top nations globally in e-participation and online service delivery. Each new service added to Absher is a building block toward that goal. Furthermore, the emphasis on data security and AI-driven verification reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to responsible innovation. By leveraging advanced technologies, the General Directorate of Passports and SDAIA are not only improving service delivery but also setting new benchmarks for transparency and accountability in public administration.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative is a clear embodiment of Vision 2030’s core pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By simplifying residency procedures for mothers of Saudi citizens and streamlining dependent additions, the Kingdom is strengthening family cohesion and social stability — key elements of a vibrant society. By enabling faster, more accurate transactions, it is removing barriers to economic participation and enhancing the business environment. And by investing in digital infrastructure and AI, it is demonstrating the ambition and forward-thinking that define the nation’s long-term strategy. The General Directorate of Passports, under the leadership of Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, continues to play a vital role in this national journey, ensuring that public services evolve in step with the aspirations of the people.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward its Vision 2030 goals, the expansion of Absher services will remain a priority. The launch of these new features is not an endpoint but a milestone in an ongoing process of improvement and innovation. For residents and citizens alike, the message is clear: the Kingdom is committed to making life easier, more efficient, and more connected. With each new e-service, the vision of a seamlessly digital Saudi Arabia becomes more tangible, and the benefits ripple across society and the economy. The future of government services is here, and it is being built in the Kingdom, one innovative platform at a time.

20 Questions

Q1. What new e-services were launched on the Absher platform?

A1. The new services include renewing residency permits for mothers of Saudi citizens, adding dependents, and canceling expired exit and re-entry visas. These were launched by the General Directorate of Passports in collaboration with SDAIA.

Q2. Who launched these new services?

A2. Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, General Director of Passports, launched the services on Thursday, February 27, 2025, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q3. What is the Absher platform?

A3. Absher is Saudi Arabia’s flagship digital government services portal, developed by the Ministry of Interior with SDAIA. It offers hundreds of services, from passport renewals to traffic and labor services, serving millions of users.

Q4. What is SDAIA’s role in this initiative?

A4. The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) collaborated with the General Directorate of Passports to ensure the new services meet high standards of data security, privacy, and user-centric design, leveraging national data infrastructure.

Q5. Why are these services important for mothers of Saudi citizens?

A5. They allow eligible mothers to renew their residency permits electronically without visiting passport offices, saving time and effort. This simplifies a previously complex process and enhances convenience for families.

Q6. How does the addition of dependents service work?

A6. Sponsors can add family members to their residency records through a streamlined digital workflow on Absher. This eliminates paperwork and reduces processing times, making family reunification easier and more efficient.

Q7. What is the benefit of canceling expired exit and re-entry visas online?

A7. It provides a clear, efficient mechanism to resolve outdated travel documentation without in-person visits. This reduces administrative burdens and helps residents maintain accurate residency status.

Q8. How do these services promote digital transformation in Saudi Arabia?

A8. They expand the scope of e-government services, increase digital adoption, and demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient public service delivery, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

Q9. What are the main goals of these new e-services?

A9. The services aim to simplify procedures, save time and effort, increase accuracy in electronic transactions, and improve the overall quality and efficiency of services for beneficiaries.

Q10. How does this launch reflect Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A10. It supports Vision 2030’s pillars by enhancing quality of life, promoting digital government, strengthening family stability, and boosting economic competitiveness through efficient public services.

Q11. Are these services available to all residents or only specific groups?

A11. The residency renewal service is specifically for mothers of Saudi citizens. The addition of dependents and visa cancellation services are available to eligible sponsors and residents as per regulations.

Q12. What technology underpins these new Absher services?

A12. The services leverage SDAIA’s national data infrastructure, including secure identity verification and real-time eligibility checks, ensuring transactions are safe, accurate, and efficient.

Q13. How will these services save time for users?

A13. By enabling online completion of transactions that previously required office visits, users avoid queues, paperwork, and travel, completing processes in minutes rather than days.

Q14. What impact will this have on the General Directorate of Passports?

A14. It reduces the administrative burden on physical offices, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks and improving overall service quality and customer satisfaction.

Q15. Can expatriates benefit from these new services?

A15. Yes, expatriates who are mothers of Saudi citizens, sponsors adding dependents, or those needing to cancel expired visas can benefit, depending on eligibility criteria set by the authorities.

Q16. How does this initiative enhance Saudi Arabia’s global reputation?

A16. It reinforces the Kingdom’s image as a regional leader in digital government and innovation, attracting talent and investment, and setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.

Q17. What is the significance of inter-agency cooperation in this launch?

A17. The collaboration between the General Directorate of Passports and SDAIA demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated government efforts, pooling expertise to deliver seamless, secure digital services to the public.

Q18. Will more services be added to Absher in the future?

A18. Yes, the launch is part of an ongoing process of improvement. The Kingdom continues to expand Absher’s offerings to meet evolving needs and advance its digital transformation agenda.

Q19. How do these services contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic goals?

A19. By streamlining residency processes, they facilitate faster onboarding of foreign talent, support business operations, and enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness in attracting investment and skilled professionals.

Q20. What message does this launch send to residents and citizens?

A20. It signals the Kingdom’s commitment to making life easier, more efficient, and more connected through technology, ensuring that public services evolve in step with the aspirations of all residents.

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