Saudi Arabia opens two-month status correction for undocumented Yemenis

Mixed · 2Saudi Arabia began regularising the status of Yemeni nationals living in the kingdom illegally on Sunday 11 October 2026, in a process that runs for two months and covers all regions, according to the Saudi Press Agency as reported by Gulf News. 1 2 Centre · 1The General Directorate of Passports is implementing it in coordination with relevant authorities, following directives from King Salman bin Abdulaziz in response to a request from Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi. 1 Mixed · 2The directorate set out four categories. Yemenis without Yemeni documents or passports receive a free six-month visit visa; they must book an appointment on the Absher platform, choose a centre and attend with proof of Yemeni nationality, such as a passport or a travel document issued by Yemen's embassy. 1 2

Right · 1Holders of expired visitor IDs or visas whose biometric data is already registered will have them extended electronically for six months without visiting a passport office, provided they hold a valid passport. 2 Mixed · 2Residents with expired iqamas (residency permits) and valid travel documents can transfer to employers who need them through Absher, Qiwa (professional workers) and Musaned (domestic workers). Those who want to leave can get a final exit visa with no restriction on returning to the kingdom. 1 2 Right · 1Workers reported absent from work who hold valid travel documents can cancel the absence report and transfer to another employer. 2

Centre · 1Gulf News, citing the Qiwa platform, reported that outstanding work permit fees are waived for eligible Yemeni workers reported absent before 16 June 2026, whether or not they had residency permits. Old levies are cancelled on transfer, and new fees run from the transfer date. Employers must book a virtual appointment through Qiwa. 3 Centre · 1Gulf News also reported that applicants transferring employers need a valid Yemeni passport and a medical examination, and that those given the exceptional visit visa can later obtain residency if they find a job while it is valid. 3 Centre · 1Twenty-three centres will operate nationwide: four in Riyadh, three each in Aseer and the Eastern Region, two each in Makkah, Jazan and Al-Jouf, and one each in Najran, Madinah, Al-Baha, Northern Borders, Tabuk, Qassim and Hail. 1

Right · 1Arab News reported that the Yemeni Embassy in Riyadh opened online preliminary registration on Sunday, saying appointments and registration are free and need no intermediaries or agents. The embassy stressed that registering on its website is only an initial step to collect details of people needing travel documents, and is not approval of an application or completion of the correction process. 2