Saudi Passports Chief Leads Delegation at China Migration Forum

Acting Director General of Passports Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba led the Ministry of Interior’s delegation at the Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation in Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China, the Saudi Press Agency reported on September 20, 2026. The sub-forum convened as part of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, a major international gathering that draws security and migration authorities from across the world to exchange expertise and strengthen cross-border cooperation. Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to international engagement on migration governance, border security, and the safe facilitation of legitimate travel.

The delegation’s presence in Lianyungang reflects the Ministry of Interior’s proactive approach to global security partnerships under the leadership of the Saudi leadership. Migration management has become an increasingly important pillar of international relations, as nations seek to balance open travel with robust border controls and the protection of travelers’ rights. By sending a high-level delegation led by Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, the Kingdom signals its readiness to contribute to multilateral solutions and to learn from international best practices that support its own modernization programs. What does this level of participation tell the world about Saudi Arabia’s evolving role in global security affairs?

Context and Background

The Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation is one of several specialized sessions stemming from the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, an event hosted by China that brings together representatives from numerous countries and agencies responsible for security and migration matters. The forum serves as a platform for dialogue on shared challenges, including the secure movement of people, the prevention of irregular migration, and the integration of advanced technologies into border management systems. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has long been an active participant in such international forums, recognizing that migration issues transcend national borders and require coordinated responses.

Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, as Acting Director General of Passports, heads an agency that is central to the Kingdom’s border security and travel facilitation infrastructure. The General Directorate of Passports oversees the issuance of travel documents, manages entry and exit points, and implements policies that ensure both security and efficiency. Its work is closely tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly those related to enhancing government services, improving the visitor experience, and supporting the growth of tourism and business travel. How does the Directorate’s participation in global forums help advance these domestic objectives?

The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, held concurrently in the same period, addresses a broader spectrum of security topics, from counterterrorism to cybersecurity. The migration sub-forum allows participating nations to focus specifically on the movement of people, a topic that has gained urgency as global travel volumes rebound and as countries implement new digital systems for identity verification and visa processing. Saudi Arabia’s engagement in this specialized track demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of international migration management standards.

Key Details of the Delegation and Forum

The Saudi delegation, led by Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, participated in discussions that likely covered a range of migration management topics, including the use of biometric technology, information sharing among security agencies, and strategies to combat document fraud. While the specific outcomes of the sub-forum were not detailed in the official announcement, the mere presence of a high-ranking Saudi delegation indicates the Kingdom’s active role in shaping international norms and practices in this field. The Ministry of Interior’s participation aligns with its ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of passport and immigration services.

The forum took place in Lianyungang, a coastal city in eastern China’s Jiangsu province, known for its strategic port and growing role as a logistics hub. Hosting such an event in Lianyungang highlights China’s interest in promoting regional and global cooperation on security and migration. For Saudi Arabia, participating in a forum hosted in Asia also reflects its broader geopolitical outreach, strengthening ties with key partners in the East while maintaining its traditional alliances. How does this Eastward engagement complement the Kingdom’s global diplomatic strategy?

The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum has become a significant annual event for security professionals worldwide. It provides a venue for countries to share experiences, discuss emerging threats, and explore joint initiatives. Saudi Arabia’s consistent participation in these forums is part of its comprehensive approach to international security cooperation, which includes bilateral agreements, training exchanges, and participation in multinational exercises. The Ministry of Interior’s delegation to the migration sub-forum is therefore not an isolated event but a component of a sustained strategy.

International and Regional Impact

Saudi Arabia’s active participation in the Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation carries implications beyond the immediate discussions. It reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a responsible global actor that contributes to international stability and security. In a region often characterized by conflict and displacement, Saudi Arabia has consistently advocated for orderly and legal migration channels, while also protecting its borders and national interests. By engaging in forums like this, the Kingdom helps shape international approaches to migration that respect national sovereignty and human dignity.

For the broader Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in migration management can serve as a model for other countries seeking to modernize their border systems and improve traveler experiences. The Kingdom has invested heavily in digital transformation, including the Absher platform and advanced biometric systems at ports of entry, which streamline procedures for citizens, residents, and visitors. Sharing these experiences in international forums enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power and positions it as a source of expertise and innovation. What lessons can other nations draw from Saudi Arabia’s integration of technology and security in migration management?

Furthermore, the participation of the Ministry of Interior in a Chinese-hosted forum highlights the growing ties between Saudi Arabia and China across multiple sectors. The two countries have deepened cooperation in energy, trade, technology, and security in recent years, consistent with Saudi Vision 2030’s aim to diversify partnerships. Migration management is a practical area where both nations can benefit from shared knowledge and joint capacity-building. Such cooperation also supports the safety of the many Chinese nationals who travel to Saudi Arabia for business, tourism, and pilgrimage, and vice versa.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Migration management is not only a security matter but also an economic one. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 seeks to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and increase the number of pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj. Efficient, secure, and welcoming entry procedures are essential to these goals. The General Directorate of Passports plays a direct role in facilitating the smooth arrival of millions of visitors each year, and its participation in international forums helps ensure that its practices align with global standards and technological advancements. The knowledge gained from such events can lead to improved services, reduced wait times, and enhanced security.

Strategically, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in global migration discussions supports its broader foreign policy objectives. The Kingdom aims to be a bridge between continents and a hub for international commerce and cultural exchange. By taking part in forums like the one in Lianyungang, Saudi officials can build relationships with counterparts from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, laying the groundwork for future agreements and collaborations. These connections can facilitate the exchange of information on wanted individuals, missing persons, and fraudulent documents, contributing to global security. How might these relationships translate into tangible benefits for Saudi travelers and businesses?

The economic dimension also includes the protection of Saudi citizens abroad. Through international cooperation, the Ministry of Interior can better assist citizens who encounter difficulties while traveling, whether due to lost documents or other emergencies. The Directorate of Passports is often the first point of contact for such cases, and its international network and partnerships enhance its ability to provide timely support. This aligns with the government’s commitment to citizen welfare and service excellence.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation is a clear reflection of Vision 2030’s emphasis on international engagement, government efficiency, and economic diversification. The Vision, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calls for a modern, digital government that delivers high-quality services to citizens and visitors alike. The General Directorate of Passports has been at the forefront of this transformation, introducing e-passports, automated gates, and online services that have significantly improved the travel experience. By engaging with global counterparts, the Directorate ensures that its systems remain cutting-edge and interoperable with international standards.

Moreover, Vision 2030 aims to increase the number of pilgrims to 30 million by 2030 and to attract 100 million annual visits across tourism and pilgrimage. Achieving these ambitious targets requires seamless border management and a positive first impression for every traveler. The Ministry of Interior’s efforts to learn from and cooperate with other nations directly support these goals. The Kingdom’s active role in forums like the one in China also enhances its reputation as a reliable partner in global security, which in turn attracts investment and tourism. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy, its engagement in international migration management will remain a vital component of its strategy for prosperity and global influence.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did the Saudi Ministry of Interior delegation participate in?

A1. The delegation participated in the Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation in Lianyungang, China, held as part of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum.

Q2. Who led the Saudi delegation to the sub-forum?

A2. Acting Director General of Passports Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba led the Ministry of Interior’s delegation to the sub-forum in China.

Q3. Where was the Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation held?

A3. The sub-forum was held in Lianyungang, a city in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu, known for its strategic port and logistics infrastructure.

Q4. What is the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum?

A4. It is a major international event hosted by China that brings together security and migration agencies from various countries to discuss shared challenges and cooperation.

Q5. Why is migration management important for Saudi Arabia?

A5. It supports Vision 2030 goals by facilitating tourism, pilgrimage, and business travel while ensuring border security and protecting citizens and visitors.

Q6. What does the General Directorate of Passports do?

A6. It oversees passport issuance, manages border entry and exit points, and implements policies for secure and efficient travel documentation and immigration procedures in Saudi Arabia.

Q7. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation benefit the Kingdom?

A7. It allows Saudi officials to share best practices, learn about new technologies, and build partnerships that enhance border security and improve services for travelers.

Q8. What topics are typically discussed at such migration forums?

A8. Topics include biometric technology, information sharing, combating document fraud, managing irregular migration, and improving legal migration channels among participating nations.

Q9. How does this participation align with Vision 2030?

A9. It aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on government efficiency, digital transformation, international engagement, and boosting tourism and pilgrimage numbers.

Q10. What is the significance of Saudi-China cooperation in this context?

A10. It reflects growing bilateral ties across security, trade, and technology, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal to diversify partnerships and enhance global cooperation.

Q11. How does the Ministry of Interior use technology in migration management?

A11. The Ministry employs biometric systems, the Absher platform, and automated gates to streamline procedures, enhance security, and improve the traveler experience at entry points.

Q12. What are the economic benefits of effective migration management?

A12. It facilitates tourism, business travel, and pilgrimage, which are key contributors to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and Vision 2030 revenue goals.

Q13. How does Saudi Arabia protect its citizens abroad through such forums?

A13. By building international networks and agreements, the Ministry of Interior can better assist citizens facing travel emergencies, lost documents, or other difficulties overseas.

Q14. What is the role of the Acting Director General of Passports?

A14. Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba heads the General Directorate of Passports, overseeing passport services, border control, and international cooperation on migration matters.

Q15. Why is Lianyungang an important location for this forum?

A15. Lianyungang is a major port city and logistics hub in China, making it a fitting venue for discussions on migration and security cooperation in the region.

Q16. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation reflect its global role?

A16. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to international security, multilateral dialogue, and responsible global engagement consistent with its G20 and regional leadership roles.

Q17. What are the key objectives of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum?

A17. The forum aims to foster international cooperation on public security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and migration management through dialogue and joint initiatives.

Q18. How does migration management support Saudi tourism goals?

A18. Efficient and secure entry procedures enhance the visitor experience, encouraging more tourists and pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia, directly supporting Vision 2030 tourism targets.

Q19. What future cooperation might result from this sub-forum?

A19. Future cooperation could include joint training, information sharing, technology exchanges, and agreements to facilitate legal travel and combat irregular migration.

Q20. How does this event showcase Saudi Arabia’s modernization?

A20. It highlights the Kingdom’s advanced border management systems, digital services, and proactive international engagement, reflecting the broader modernization drive under Vision 2030.

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