The source was responding to a posting on some websites about a rise in the iqama-renewal fees. One website said the current renewal fees of residency permits for domestic workers will not be continued after Dec. 6 (the last day of the Hijra year 1431).
“The current fee for domestic iqamas is 50 percent of the full fee. The reduction of the fee was declared three years ago and the concession period will end on Dec. 6. The former rate will be implemented with the beginning of the new Hijra year of 1432,” the posting said.
The source said the reduced fee will remain in place until a new government order is issued.
In another development, Passport Department spokesman Badr Al-Malik said a large number of violators of iqama regulations intending to take advantage of a royal pardon, which began on Sept. 25, do not know the procedures of getting the pardon. The pardon allows the violators to return to their countries without any punishment or fine.
“Ignorant of the formalities, many violators rush to the ports of exit and create confusion. In fact they should go to the branch of the Passport Department in the city where they are living and register their names and other details so that their travel procedures could be completed,” Al-Malik said.
Al-Malik offered no precise figure regarding the number of residence violators who have left the Kingdom under this six-month amnesty.
He also reminded that the reprieve will only cover the violators prior to the starting date of this decree. The Passport Department has also called on all pilgrims of the recent Haj season to adhere to their departure schedules. The department also warned Saudi citizens and expatriates against sheltering violators of the immigration policies.
