Visa not renewed; The return journey of expatriates is in crisis

After returning home due to Covid, the return journey was in crisis, and the expatriates’ expectations were fading. Expatriates are unable to renew their expired visas after returning home. Although the Saudi Interior Ministry allowed the visa to be extended, most of them could not renew their visas due to the financial crisis. The biggest setback was the Saudi labor law reform.

Before the renewal of the Iqama, the residence permit was less than 600 riyals (Rs 12,000). The labor law reform implemented three years ago has dealt a heavy blow to expatriates. Renewal of Iqama for one year requires payment of 650 Saudi Riyals (Rs 12,867) to the Passport Authority. In addition, a levy of 9,593 riyals (Rs 1,90,004) must be paid to the Ministry of Labor.

With this, the total cost of renewing the iqama increased to two lakhs. In addition, the levy must be paid for the holidays. The minimum is 200 riyals (Rs 3,961) for two months. For each subsequent month, 100 riyals (Rs 1,980) must be paid.

Those who have returned home have not been able to renew their iqama. Many were reluctant to renew their iqama because of the travel ban. Some expatriates have not been able to return home for two years. Holders of Iqama have been barred from returning due to travel restrictions.

Travel through the Maldives and Qatar has opened up opportunities but has been hampered by high costs. Stay in contact with Qatar and Maldives for seven days. Up to Rs, 2.5 lakh is charged, including quarantine in three-star hotels. It costs around Rs 5 lakh to renew Iqama at home and travel to Saudi Arabia through other countries.