JEDDAH, 9 February 2003 — Saudi Arabia is to start fingerprinting expatriate workers and all visitors to the Kingdom from the next Hijrah year, according to Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Al-Sajeeni, director general of the Passports Department.
Speaking to reporters in Makkah yesterday, Sajeeni said his department is set to issue electronic iqamas (resident permits) containing fingerprint details by the beginning of the next Hijrah year (March 4, 2003).
“All services provided by the Passports Department will be computerized by that time,” he said.
He added that the department was making final touches to arrangements to introduce the new fingerprinting system, saying that it will be included among the procedures for the issuance of exit/re-entry visas.
Sajeeni claimed that Saudi passports were now less prone to being forged.
“No passport forgery cases have been reported since changes to their design were introduced,” he pointed out.
Together with the Finance and National Economy Ministry and the Information Center, the Passport Office is investigating ways of charging for its service by non-cash payment.
Sajeeni denied suggestions that the government will provide another chance for overstayers, especially house servants, to regularize their iqamas.
