Saudi expat workers can convert family visitor visas to permanent residence

A surprise announcement came via the Saudi Passport Department’ recent phone-in service, when the spokesperson told a caller he could convert his parents’ family visit visas to permanent residency permits.

Colonel Mohammed al-Hussain told the enquirer that, once the request had been approved by the Saudi Interior Ministry, elderly parents and other close family members of expats could have their visitors’ visas converted to permanent residency. At present , the Kingdom allows visitor visas for the parents, children and spouses of expatriates employees.

Al-Hussain’s phone-in lasted for two hours, during which time he told another caller that he could place his parents on his iqama. Another expat, calling from Riyadh, requested information about how to place his wife, at present on a visit to the Kingdom, on his iqama or arrange the conversion of her visa to a permanent resident permit.

The colonel also advised those looking to find out information about visas and permanent residency to check online at the department’s website. All necessary information, he said, can be found, adding that there is no longer a need to show entry/exit documentation at the airport’s immigration desk.

As regards concern about elderly parents over the age of 60 years, he continued, expats should approach the Passport Department’s Qanoon and Tadres desks. Once they have presented their case for bringing in their parents on a permanent basis, the department will rule after consideration of all aspects including genuineness.