SAUDI ARABIA WILL RESUME TOURIST VISAS FROM 2021

 Riyadh: Saudi Tourism Minister Dr. Ahmed Al Khatib has announced that the issuance of tourist visas will resume from the beginning of next year.

The Minister of Tourism has informed the leading news agency Reuters that the tourist visa will be resumed. The minister said the visa process would be expedited if there was any progress regarding the corona vaccine.

Since September 2019, the Saudi Tourism Visa Policy has been revised to allow on-arrival visas and e - visas for 49 countries.

The revision of the tourism visa policy is part of the plans of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to find other sources of income instead of relying solely on oil.

By 2030, the tourism sector is projected to account for 10 per cent of the country's GDP

VISA SERVICE WILL ALSO BE RESUMED AT THE SAUDI EMBASSY IN DHAKA

 

Riyadh: Visa services will also be resumed at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The Saudi Embassy in Dhaka has announced that visa stamping, visa extension and cancellation services will resume from the 27th of this month. The embassy said it would only accept applications for visa services through embassy-approved offices. 

Holders of Saudi visas are required to submit documents proving that they are corona virus free by performing PCR tests to enter the country. The Saudi embassy in Dhaka said PCR checks must be carried out within 48 hours of arrival at Saudi airports. 

With the suspension of international services in the wake of the Corona expansion, the Ministry of Manpower and Social Development has issued work visas and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued visit visas, while foreign embassies and consulates have stopped stamping previously issued visas. Saudi embassies and consulates abroad are resuming visa services in the wake of the partial resumption of international services in Saudi Arabia and the decision to resume services in full from January 1st. 

The Saudi embassy in the Philippines has recently resumed visa service. Holders of expired re-entry visas, visitor visas and iqama visas must approach the Saudi Visa Service Center (Tashil-VFS) approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to complete the procedures by paying the fees. Passports of those who complete the procedure will be produced at the Tasheel-VFS Center Embassy. The Saudi embassy in Manila said such passports would be issued with the required visas within one working day.

IN ALL THREE CASES, KAFALA WAS ALLOWED TO CHANGE WITHOUT THE SPONSOR'S PERMISSION

 

Riyadh: In three cases, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has stated that sponsorship of foreign workers can be transferred to other institutions without the permission of the sponsor. The sponsor's permission is not required to transfer the sponsorship to another institution in the three cases of expiration of the worker's work permit and iqama, non - receipt of three consecutive months' wages, and proving that the employer's complaint of harassment (hurub) is absurd. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has stated that in such cases, the sponsorship of foreign workers can be changed without the permission of the sponsor. 

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said in response to an inquiry by one of the foreigners that he had resigned from his old company, found a new job and could not enter the job without changing the sponsorship, and asked for help in entering the new job.

FLIGHTS FROM INDIA TO SAUDI ARABIA ARE NOT PERMITTED

 Jeddah: Saudi Civil Aviation has announced that it will not allow direct flights from India to Saudi Arabia. The information in the new circular sent to the civil aviation airlines is as follows:

Saudi nationals, their families, domestic workers under their sponsorship, GCC nationals, foreigners with re-entry, labor and visit visas (business, labor, family) are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.

Umrah visa holders and tourist visa holders will not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia. Travelers from Argentina, Brazil and India, as well as those who have visited these countries within 14 days, are not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, the ban from these four countries does not apply to Saudi nationals, their families and domestic workers under their sponsorship.

All non-Saudi nationals will be allowed entry only through passports. Saudi citizens can enter with an ID card.

Passengers must present a negative certificate of PCR examination conducted within 48 hours prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Connecting flights through Saudi airports are not permitted until further notice.

Passengers are required to check their visa status on the link before flying to Saudi Arabia and to take all health precautions.

It is advisable to avoid booking for chartered flights as the expectation of an immediate flight from India to Saudi Arabia is unfounded with this circular.

In addition, the Iqamah and re-entry visas of many expatriates currently on leave in the country are about to expire and they can contact the sponsor to renew them through Muqeem or Abshir.

THE SAUDIS ARE HOPING THAT KOVID WILL SURVIVE SOON

Saudi Arabia hopes to survive the Kovid epidemic soon. The people of Saudi Arabia are happy with the steep drop in the daily rate of illness. The Ministry of Health has warned the people not to give up vigilance even though the country is on the verge of liberation.

The people and health workers of Saudi Arabia are in relief and happiness. The Kovid epidemic, which began on March 2, reached its peak on June 16. But since then the cases have started to decrease, and the increase in morbidity and mortality rates has become more reassuring.

Now there are less than 500 cases per day. The situation is such that the country will soon overcome this epidemic. A spokesman for the Ministry of Health today said he was happy to see that people were now reaping the benefits of their vigilance in complying with government directives.

NO FREE RENEWAL OF IQAMA AND RE-ENTRY OF EXPATRIATES WHO ARE OUT SIDE THE KINGDOM

 

The Javasat Directorate has announced that it will no longer extend the iqama and re-entry of expatriates who are unable to reach Saudi Arabia due to the non-commencement of international flights in the Riyadh-Kovid context. Iqama and re-entry for all has been extended twice free of charge in collaboration with the National Information Center. But there is no need for it anymore. 

The Abshir and Muqeem system of institutions, companies and sponsors has been extended to facilitate the extension of the period of Iqama and re-entry of foreigners. Can be renewed without penalty even after expiration. Payment facility is also available in the online service of the banks. Iqamas that are more than six months old or have notes such as hurub and mathloob cannot be renewed. 

WORK VISAS TO SAUDI ARABIA BEGIN TO BE STAMPED

 Riyad-  labor visas begin to Saudi embassies abroad . With the suspension of international services, the Ministry of Manpower and Social Development has stopped issuing work visas and stamped previously issued visas by embassies and consulates abroad.

Saudi embassies and consulates abroad are resuming stamping of work visas in the wake of the partial resumption of international services in Saudi Arabia and the decision to resume services in full from January 1st.

The Saudi Embassy in the Philippines said it would start accepting applications for stamping work visas from Monday, based on instructions from relevant Saudi departments. Visa stamping applications are accepted only through recruitment offices.

The Saudi Embassy in Manila has released a list of centers approved by the Saudi Embassy to allow coronation tests and certification before traveling to Saudi Arabia.

FOREIGNERS ARE ALLOWED TO BUY ONLY PRIVATE VEHICLES

 Riyadh - The Directorate of Traffic has clarified that foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia under the legal iqama are only allowed to purchase private (Qusuzi) vehicles. The Traffic Directorate said this in response to an inquiry by one of the foreigners as to whether foreigners were allowed to buy their own Isuzu D-Max pickup. According to the Traffic Directorate, Section 9 of the Traffic Act makes it clear that foreigners can purchase vehicles on their own.

IQAMA NOT RENEWED; MORE THAN ONE LAKH FOREIGNERS CANNOT RETURN TO KUWAIT

 KUWAIT CITY - The security sources revealed that the issuing of residency permits for foreigners of more than 1,27,000 . Their iqamas have been revoked while abroad.

They could not return to Kuwait due to the fallout from some sponsors and government departments, including the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education had earlier informed foreign teachers that they could return to Kuwait at any time. However, the situation changed when the list of nationals banned from entering Kuwait was announced on August 1.

The home ministry had asked foreigners abroad to renew their residency permit (iqama) online as soon as possible. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also provided the necessary concessions and facilities to renew iqama online. But most did not take advantage of the exemptions. About five lakh foreigners with valid iqama are living outside the country.

FOSSILS MORE THAN 120,000 YEARS OLD HAVE BEEN FOUND IN TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA. ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION

 

Fossils more than 120,000 years old have been found in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Archaeological excavation

s have also uncovered footprints of humans and elephants. The Heritage Authority CEO told that preparations have begun for a tourism project connecting archeological and historical sites in the country.

The most inhabited area between Tabuk and Taima was discovered about 120,000 years ago. The International Archaeological Survey of India is investigating a dry lake here. 7 humans found signs of an area inhabited by 43 elephants 107 camels and deer. 233 elephant bones were also recovered.

It is also believed to be a place where folk groups thrive. Tabuk is the oldest populated area in Saudi Arabia. Here are the signs of the time of various prophets. The Heritage Authority CEO told after the press conference that the plan was to launch a tourism project in connection with these. The press conference of the Ministry of Culture was held at the Crowne Plaza in Riyadh Digital City.

TO PAY ATTENTION AT AIRPORTS; SAUDI GUIDELINES ISSUED

 Riyadh: The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued new guidelines for airports in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Aviation Authority has issued conditions for passengers, airlines and airport officials to comply.

Non-Saudi nationals coming from abroad must show a PCR certificate at the airport within 48 hours, proving that they are not infected with Kovid. Saudis and foreigners must comply with the Home Quarantine as stipulated by the Ministry of Health. Thathamman and Tawakkalna apps need to be downloaded.

The body temperature of those going abroad from Saudi Arabia should not exceed 38 degrees. Quarantine conditions must be guaranteed at the time of booking the ticket. Arrive at airports early. Masks and sanitizers should be taken care of on the plane and at the airport. A social distance of one and a half meters should be maintained. Understand the Kovid conditions in the going countries.

Airport staff and other workers should undergo a medical examination. All 28 airports in the country will be disinfected. The planes must be cleaned after each flight. Air services will be allowed according to the time taken to complete the passenger process.

People over the age of seven are not allowed to enter the airport without wearing a mask. Javasat's fingerprint machines will be disinfected after each use. Passengers are released only in stages during boarding and disembarking. Everyone should wear a mask throughout the trip. Suspected infections will be taken to separate areas. General Authority of Civil Aviation clarified.

IN SAUDI ARABIA, IQAMA CAN BE RENEWED UP TO 14 MONTHS IN ADVANCE

 Riyadh - iqamas the end of the period of fourteen months before domestic workers can renew.

Iqamas of foreigners working in the private sector can be renewed with less than six months to expire. There is a requirement to have a work permit and health insurance.

Javasat said this in response to a query from one of the users as to whether a foreigner on a house driver visa can renew his Iqama more than six months before it expires.

Visas for those staying within the country on a visit visa must be extended through the Abshir account of their host. Visit visas must be renewed seven days before the expiration date. The Javasat Directorate also clarified that there is a requirement for visitors to have health insurance to extend their visit visa.

BOUNDARIES OPEN; LONG LINE OF VEHICLES ON KING FAHAD CAUSEWAY

 Saudi Arabia Boarders opened six o'clock in the morning 15th. Although there are isolated services at airports, there is a long line of vehicles at the border. Most of the visitors to Saudi Arabia are from GCC countries.

At around 6 am, vehicles arrived at the King Fahd Causeway on the Bahrain border. By ten o'clock a long line appeared. Most of them were going to Saudi Arabia from Bahrain. The number of people coming from there is low. Passengers are arriving and departing from other borders as well. 

Citizens of other countries on re-entry have also arrived in Saudi Arabia via the border. The PCR test certificate examination is mainly done at the border.

Meanwhile, the General Authority of Civil Aviation has issued a circular to all airlines operating services from Saudi Arabia that foreigners and GCC nationals with re-entry visas and visitor visas may be brought into the country. The PCR test report should be submitted within 48 hours of the trip.

All travelers are required to comply with Saudi code of conduct. The authority said it would not allow entry into Saudi Arabia if the conditions were not met.

THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO AND FROM SAUDI ARABIA WAS LAUNCHED AUTHORITIES SAY AIRPORTS ARE READY FOR THOSE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO SAUDI ARABIA UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

 THE FIRST PLANE FLY; AUTHORITIES SAY AIRPORTS ARE READY FOR THOSE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO SAUDI ARABIA UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

JEDDAH: THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO AND FROM SAUDI ARABIA WAS LAUNCHED THIS MORNING (TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15), ACCORDING TO THE SAUDI CIVIL AVIATION OFFICIAL TWITTER ACCOUNT.

CIVIL AVIATION SAID ALL AIRPORTS IN SAUDI ARABIA WERE SET UP TO RECEIVE PASSPORTS WITH THE HELP OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

NON-SAUDIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE COUNTRY ONLY ON PRESENTATION OF AN OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM THE CORONA.

THE TEST RESULT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF ARRIVAL AT THE SAUDI AIRPORT IN MUMBAI.

AT THE SAME TIME, FOREIGNERS ARRIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA ARE REQUIRED TO GO ON A THREE-DAY COMPULSORY HOME QUARANTINE, THE CIVIL AVIATION STATEMENT SAID. CIVIL AVIATION SAID IN A STATEMENT THAT IT WOULD ANNOUNCE A FULL RESUMPTION OF INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS A MONTH BEFORE JANUARY 1.

FROM TODAY, FOREIGNERS WITH RE-ENTRY, WORK VISAS, VISIT VISAS AND RESIDENCE VISAS WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN TO SAUDI ARABIA, ACCORDING TO A CIRCULAR ISSUED BY CIVIL AVIATION FOR AIRLINES. AT THE SAME TIME, THE CIRCULAR STATES THAT THIS WILL NOT APPLY TO COUNTRIES WHERE THE CORONA EXPANSION HAS BEEN SEVERELY CURTAILED, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SAUDI CORONA REVIEW COMMITTEE. IT IS HOPED THAT IN THE COMING HOURS IT WILL BE CLEAR WHICH COUNTRIES WILL BE EXCLUDED.

SAUDI CIVIL AVIATION CIRCULAR ANNOUNCING TERMS OF RETURN TO SAUDI ARABIA AND TRAVEL TO SAUDI ARABIA

 RETURN TO SAUDI ARABIA: CIVIL AVIATION CIRCULAR ISSUED

SAUDI CIVIL AVIATION HAS ISSUED A CIRCULAR ANNOUNCING THE TERMS OF RETURN TO SAUDI ARABIA AND TRAVEL TO AND FROM SAUDI ARABIA. THE MAIN TERMS ARE AS FOLLOWS.

FLIGHTS WERE ALLOWED TO CARRY CITIZENS OF GCC COUNTRIES TRAVELING TO AND FROM SAUDI ARABIA.

PERMISSION TO TAKE FOREIGNERS WITH RE-ENTRY VISA, RESIDENCE VISA AND RESIDENCE VISA (IQAMA).

BOARDING IS PERMITTED ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A DOCUMENT PROVING THAT THE CORONA TEST CONDUCTED BY AN AUTHORIZED LABORATORY WITHIN 48 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE IS NEGATIVE.

THOSE GOING TO AND FROM SAUDI ARABIA MENTIONED ABOVE MUST FOLLOW THE CORONA PRECAUTIONARY INSTRUCTIONS.

THE CIRCULAR DOES NOT APPLY TO COUNTRIES WHERE THE CANCELLATION OF FLIGHTS HAS BEEN WIDESPREAD, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SAUDI CORONA REVIEW COMMITTEE.

THE DOMESTIC UMRAH PILGRIMAGE WILL RESUME WITH RESTRICTIONS

JEDDAH: THE DOMESTIC UMRAH PILGRIMAGE WILL RESUME WITH RESTRICTIONS IN THE NEAR FUTURE, SAUDI MEDIA REPORTED, CITING RELEVANT SOURCES.

DOMESTIC PILGRIMS WILL ALSO HAVE TO CARRY A CERTIFICATE STATING THAT THE CORONA IS NEGATIVE WHEN THEY GO TO PERFORM UMRAH.

UMRAH SERVICES WILL BE RESUMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CORONA VIRUS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AND PREVENTION PROTOCOLS.

A MOBILE APPLICATION SERVICE WILL BE LAUNCHED TO INFORM EVERY PILGRIM ABOUT THE DATE AND TIME OF UMRAH.

OFFICIALS SAID YESTERDAY THAT DECISIONS ON THE UMRAH PILGRIMAGE WOULD BE MADE IN STAGES AFTER EXAMINING THE EXTENT OF THE CORONA VIRUS IN THE COUNTRY, WITH INTERNATIONAL BORDERS PARTIALLY REOPENING FROM TOMORROW.

MANY EXPATRIATES ARE RETURNING HOME AFTER THEIR IQAMAS, RE-ENTRY VISAS AND NEW VISAS EXPIRED

JEDDAH: MANY EXPATRIATES ARE RETURNING HOME AFTER THEIR IQAMAS, RE-ENTRY VISAS AND NEW VISAS EXPIRE AS THEY ENTER SAUDI ARABIA FROM SEPTEMBER 15.

JAVASAT HAD AUTOMATICALLY RENEWED THE IQAMA AND RE-ENTRY PERIODS OF MANY EXPATRIATES AT VARIOUS STAGES. THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 30. THE IQAMAH AND RE-ENTRIES OF MANY OF THEM END IN MID-SEPTEMBER.

IN THIS CASE, ANOTHER RETURN TO SAUDI ARABIA WOULD BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT MUCH HASSLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC RENEWAL, BUT MANY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER IT WILL BE RENEWED AUTOMATICALLY WITH THE RESUMPTION OF AIR SERVICES.

OR, IF IT IS NOT RENEWED AUTOMATICALLY, ONE OF THE WAYS FOR EXPATRIATES IN THE COUNTRY TO DO SO IS TO CONTACT THE SPONSOR AND ASK THEM TO RENEW THEIR IQAMA THROUGH MUQEEM OR ABSHIR.

THE IQAMA SYSTEM IS NOW BEING RENEWED IN THE SAME WAY AS THE AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN SET UP TO RENEW RE-ENTRY VISAS FROM SAUDI ARABIA TO SPONSORS.

MANY EXPATRIATES IN THE COUNTRY HAVE ALREADY USED THIS SYSTEM TO RENEW THEIR IQAMA AND RE-ENTRY THROUGH SPONSORS.

AT THE SAME TIME, IT IS A FACT THAT FOR MANY SAUDI RENEWERS, PAYING THE IQAMA FEE AND LEVY FOR SUCH AN ONLINE RENEWAL WILL NOT BE AN EASY PROCESS.

ANOTHER WAY IS TO SEEK A WAY TO RENEW RE-ENTRY VISAS THROUGH THE SAUDI EMBASSY WITH KAFEEL'S PERMISSION. KAFEEL'S CO-OPERATION IS ALSO REQUIRED AS THE EARLIER ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN PLACE. AT THE SAME TIME, THE FACT THAT THERE IS NO DEPARTMENT FOR RENEWAL OF IQAMAS THROUGH THE EMBASSY / CONSULATE AND ONLY FOR RENEWAL OF RE-ENTRY IS A PROBLEM FOR MANY.

THERE ARE ALSO CASES WHERE THE VISAS OF MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ISSUED A NEW VISA HAVE EXPIRED. WHEN CONTACTED, JAVASAT WAS TOLD TO CONTACT THE ISTIQDAM OFFICE IN SAUDI ARABIA.

IN ANY CASE, IT IS TO BE HOPED THAT IN THE COMING DAYS THERE WILL BE CLEAR GUIDELINES FROM THE SAUDI AUTHORITIES ON THESE ISSUES. 

IQAMA AND RE-ENTRY OF OUTSIDERS CAN BE RENEWED - JAVASAT

 Riyadh - Javasat said that those who have gone on leave from Saudi Arabia and have re-entry or iqama expired can contact their companies or sponsors to renew them. This benefit is available to those whose Iqamah or re - entry period has expired after failing to return to Saudi Arabia following the suspension of international flights due to the Kovid crisis. 

The majority of Saudi visa holders in the country have voluntarily extended their iqama and re-entry until September 30 in collaboration with the National Information Center. Javasat says the process is still ongoing. But Javasat's Abshir and Muqeem systems in the name of companies and institutions have facilitated the renewal of iqama and re-entry of foreigners in the system of the Ministry of Labor. Iqama and re-entry can be renewed without penalty if the levy and fees are paid. Many companies are using this facility. Earlier, the iqama or re-entry of the natives could not be renewed through the Abshir and Muqeem systems.

FIVE PAKISTANIS ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO EXTORT MONEY BY SENDING FAKE MESSAGES

 Riyadh: Five Pakistanis have been arrested in a case of sending fake SMSes to customers in the name of banks. Riyadh provincial police spokesman Major Khalid al-Qirdis said the suspects were in their 30s and 40s. They tried to hack the bank account by asking for personal information to update and announcing fake gifts. Three lakh riyals and 13 mobile phones used to send fake messages were seized from the gang. Major al-Qirdis said the detainees had been handed over to the public prosecution.

ACCORDING TO SAUDI MEDIA, SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES HAS STATED THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE SUBJECT TO AIR TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS FOR EACH COUNTRY.

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES SAYS FOREIGNERS' RETURNS WILL BE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FLIGHTS AND AIR TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN EACH COUNTRY.

JEDDAH: FROM SEPTEMBER 15, RE-ENTRY VISAS, WORK AND VISIT VISA HOLDERS WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN TO SAUDI ARABIA DEPENDING ON THE AVAILABILITY OF FLIGHTS, SAUDI AIRLINES SAID.

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES HAS ANNOUNCED THAT WITH THE PARTIAL REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIONS, FOREIGNERS WITH RE-ENTRY, VISIT, WORK AND DEPENDENT VISAS WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER SAUDI ARABIA FROM SEPTEMBER 15.

IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHAT KIND OF FLIGHTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM COUNTRIES INCLUDING INDIA.

THOUSANDS OF EXPATRIATES ARE EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE MORE DETAILS IN THE COMING DAYS.

SAUDI ARABIA OPENS BORDERS: FOREIGNERS AND NATIONALS CAN PARTIALLY ENTER FROM SEPTEMBER 15; SERVICES AS NORMALFROM JANUARY 1ST

 

Flights to and from Saudi Arabia will begin on September 15. Foreigners, dependents and holders of visitor visas can enter Saudi Arabia. Partially open borders. The destination will be announced soon. All Saudi borders will be fully open only from January. The Saudi Interior Ministry has announced that Umrah services will be phased out. Foreigners and nationals can enter the country from January, including visitor visas. Priority will be given to government employees, soldiers and diplomats. Clarification on the launch of air services will be available in the coming hours