The Saudi Passports Directorate has announced important new details regarding the exemption from the accompanying fees for certain categories of residents born in the Kingdom. This decision, however, does not apply to all residents but is limited to specific groups. Saudi Arabia is home to millions of foreign residents from various nationalities, and it imposes annual fees on the companions of these residents. Notably, children born in the Kingdom are exempt from these fees, as officially stated by the relevant authorities.
In a significant clarification, the Saudi Passports Directorate confirmed that the exemption from financial fees applies to those born in Saudi Arabia from different nationalities, including those born to a Saudi mother and a foreign father, as well as those born to two foreign parents. At the same time, the Directorate emphasized that the accompanying fees, which amount to 400 Saudi riyals, must still be paid by those who meet the applicable conditions, as paying these fees is essential for ensuring residency in the Kingdom.
The categories exempt from the accompanying fees have been specifically defined by the Passports Directorate, aimed at facilitating the residency process for expatriates and allowing them to reunite with their families without the burden of additional fees. The exempt categories include:
- All children of residents born on Saudi soil.
- Wives of both Saudi and non-Saudi citizens.
- Children of foreign wives married to Saudi citizens.
- The first wife of a resident.
- Students residing in the Kingdom for educational purposes.
- Military trainers from various nationalities within the Kingdom.
- All residents holding diplomatic passports.
- All wives residing in the Kingdom with children under 18.
Regarding residency renewal fees, the Passports Directorate has outlined the following fees for various categories:
- The fee for renewing residency for domestic workers is 600 Saudi riyals.
- For employees, the fee can reach up to 650 Saudi riyals.
- A wife sponsored by a Saudi citizen faces a renewal fee of 500 Saudi riyals.
- For companies and private institutions, the annual residency fee is also set at 600 Saudi riyals.
After reviewing the exempt categories, the Passports Directorate reiterated that all residents must pay their fees on time. However, they can now conveniently complete these payments through online platforms, saving time and effort.
In addition to the exemptions, the Passports Directorate has also addressed rumors circulating on social media regarding a blanket exemption for all residents from residency fees. They confirmed that such claims are entirely false and that these rumors should not be heeded.
Another important piece of information shared by the Passports Directorate is the grace period given after residency expires. Residents are granted a 90-day period to renew their residency. It is crucial for residents to utilize this time effectively; failure to do so may result in financial penalties and potentially lead to deportation from the Kingdom if they do not comply.
As of Thursday, April 10, 2025, the price of 21-karat gold in Bahrain stands at 32.400 dinars, reflecting ongoing economic conditions in the region.
The new measures regarding residency fees and exemptions are part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to streamline residency processes for expatriates, ensuring that families can remain together while adhering to the legal requirements of the Kingdom. With millions of expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia, these changes are expected to have a significant impact on their lives.
In summary, the Saudi Passports Directorate's recent announcements about residency fees and exemptions reflect the government's ongoing commitment to support expatriates and their families in the Kingdom. By clarifying the categories exempt from fees and providing a structured framework for residency renewals, Saudi Arabia continues to foster an environment conducive to both expatriate living and economic growth.
