Saudi Arabia Launches Regularisation Scheme for Undocumented Yemenis

Saudi Arabia is set to launch a two-month initiative on October 11 to assist undocumented Yemeni nationals living in the kingdom. This program aims to legalise their status by providing various visa options and employment-transfer opportunities.

Details of the Regularisation Program

The regularisation process will be managed by the General Directorate of Passports in collaboration with relevant authorities. It will cover all regions of Saudi Arabia, allowing eligible Yemenis to correct their residency status through tailored procedures based on their documentation and employment circumstances.

Eligibility Categories

Eligible Yemeni nationals fall into four categories:

• No Yemeni Documents: Individuals without any Yemeni identification will be granted a free six-month visit visa upon proving their nationality.
• Expired Visitor IDs or Visas: Those with expired documentation will have their status extended electronically for six months if their biometric data is already registered.
• Expired Residency Permits: Individuals with expired iqamas can transfer to new employers via digital platforms without needing to visit government offices.
• Reported Absent from Work: Yemenis who have been reported absent can cancel their report and transfer to another employer through designated platforms.

Regularisation Centres

A total of 23 centres will be established across Saudi Arabia to facilitate this process. The centres will be located in major regions, including Riyadh, Aseer, and Makkah, among others.

This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to address the status of undocumented residents and ensure compliance with immigration regulations. Eligible individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to regularise their status during the two-month period.