JEDDAH — Maj. Gen. Solaiman Al-Yahya, director general of the Department of Passports (Jawazat), on Monday denied reports circulating in social media that the new five-year Muqeem card for expatriates, to be issued starting Oct. 15, will not be renewed on expiry and that the holder will have to leave the Kingdom after five years. Social media reports claimed that the duration of the new ID card was made five years so as to compel sponsors not to renew it after expiry. The rumors claimed that expatriates will not be able to stay in the Kingdom for more than five years. "There is no truth to these reports. The objective behind the issuing of the new ID card is to reduce the cost of reprinting the current Iqama (residence permit) every year. It will also reduce the pressure on sponsors," Al-Yahya told Al-Madina newspaper on Monday. He said there are rules for the renewal of the new card every year and that it can be replaced in case of loss or damage. He said the new card will not be delivered by hand, but only through the Wasel service (courier) of the Saudi Post. Al-Yahya said the Muqeem ID card will be automatically issued or renewed through the Muqeem website. He said they tried the courier delivery in Riyadh to deliver the Iqamas at the headquarters of the companies or establishments and added that this system will be gradually applied in all other regions. Al-Yahya said that a number of new Jawazat services will be automated for the first time, including the reporting or canceling of Huroob (run away) cases. He, however, made it clear that a worker will be notified by a text message that he or she has been reported Huroob and will be given 15 days to file their objection at the Jawazat. "We are keen to preserve the rights of both the workers and sponsors," he said.
