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Saudi Interior Ministry Officially Announces Free Residence Permit Renewal for Six Categories of Expats – Does This Include You?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps to better organize the status of expatriates and ease their residency processes. As part of these efforts, the Interior Ministry has launched a special initiative granting free residence permit renewal to six specific categories of expatriates, according to an official announcement from the relevant authorities.
The goal of this move is to enhance stability, reduce the financial burden on key groups contributing to national development, and help them avoid residency infractions, associated fines, or even potential deportation.
Who Qualifies for Free Residency Renewal?
The General Directorate of Passports has clearly outlined six eligible categories:
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Security Support Personnel: Expatriates hired specifically to support Saudi security forces.
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Individuals with Special Relationships and Diplomats: Including those with strong ties to Saudi Arabia and diplomatic passport holders.
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Family Members of Saudi Residents: Expats who have a Saudi citizen spouse or children.
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Domestic Workers and Military Trainees: All individuals working in household service and those undergoing military training in government institutions.
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Non‑Saudi Wives of Saudi Citizens: Foreign wives of Saudi men who have not yet acquired Saudi nationality.
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Drivers and Agricultural Workers: Individuals employed in driving or farming occupations.
Conditions for Free Residency Renewal
To benefit from this initiative, individuals in the six categories must meet these key criteria:
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No registration as absconding or runaway: The applicant must not be listed as absent from work or as a fugitive.
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Good conduct: Applicants must maintain a clean legal and behavioral record.
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Valid health insurance: A current medical insurance policy covering the residency period is required.
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Continuous residence in Saudi Arabia: The applicant must have been actively residing in the country.
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Valid passport: The passport must be valid for a sufficient duration.
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Settlement of traffic violations: Any outstanding traffic fines must be cleared before the renewal process begins.
FAQ on Exemption from Fees
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Military trainees studying in the Kingdom
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Foreign wives of Saudi citizens (who already qualify for the main exemption)
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Domestic workers
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Students on government scholarships(Subject to current regulations; latest updates should be checked.)
How much is the renewal fee for those not benefiting?
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Domestic workers: approximately SAR 600 per year (though exempt under this initiative).
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Dependents (spouse, children): around SAR 2,000 per year (not exempt under this initiative, except in specific cases like wives of Saudis).
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Changing profession or sponsor: fees may reach SAR 2,000 or more depending on the situation.
In Summary
This initiative offering free residence permit renewal to six categories is a strategic measure aimed at regulating the labor market and strengthening social stability for key expatriate groups:
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Security support personnel
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Individuals with special relations and diplomats
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Expats with Saudi spouses or children
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Domestic workers
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Foreign wives of Saudis
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Drivers and agricultural workers
If you belong to one of these groups, make sure you fulfill the listed criteria and apply for renewal to take advantage of this fee exemption—thus avoiding fines or legal complications. For the latest official information, it’s best to consult the Absher platform or the authorities.
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