Saudi Arabia lifts restrictions on foreigners ' visa extension

Riyadh, Jun 29: Achche din have begun at least for Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom has lifted restrictions on foreigners ' visa extension.

As per the latest move by Saudi Arabian government, the relatives of expatriate workers who are currently on a visit to the Kingdom can have their family visit visas renewed for the rest of the year.

Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Naif has officially issued directives in this regard.

Maj. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, director-general of passports, clarified that while the restriction has been removed, visitors whose visas are due to expire must file an application with the Passport Department. Failure to secure an extension would be a violation of visa rules, he said.

Visa extension used to be suspended between the end of the Hijri month of Shaaban.At the time, visitors used to be given a week to leave.

Col. Ahmed Al-Luhaidan, spokesman, said that authorities are ready to implement these orders and that residents wishing to extend their visit visas can apply from Sunday throughout the Kingdom.

Al-Luhaidan stressed that the previous decision to suspend extension has now been canceled.

Many expats and their families had faced problems as a result of restrictions on visa extension.