MAKKAH – A residency card (Iqama) shortage at the Makkah Passports Department has resulted in large crowds of expatriates hoping to complete stalled formalities. The crisis has been going on for several weeks now as a result of a decreased card quota for Makkah Passports Department. Several expatriates who were waiting in line to collect their renewed Iqamas said the department is not renewing Iqamas unless they are about to expire — within two days at the most. There are over 5,000 pending work permits, whose owners have submitted applications for Iqama renewal. Shortages were also reported in several other cities including Jeddah, sources said. – SG
