RIYADH — A source at the Passport Department said the Department of Prisons and security patrols have begun practicing their new respective authorities in detaining residency violators, Al-Eqtisadiah Arabic daily reported. Spokesman of the Passport Department, Lt. Col. Ahmad Allehaidan, said detaining and investigating violators of the Kingdom's residency laws is now the responsibility of the Public Security Department. Security patrols have begun practicing a role traditionally carried out by the Passport Department since the beginning of October. The latest changes comes after a reorganization of the Ministry of Interior which has resulted in a number of responsibilities being taken away from the Passport Department and given to the Department of Prisons, security patrols and the highway patrol forces. The detention section and its employees have been transferred to the Department of Prisons, while the duties of Passport Department patrols have been transferred to security patrols and the security inspection points have been transferred to the highway patrol forces. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Allehaidan said the electronic passport service that was launched two months ago, has seen lower than expected levels of utilization from both businesses and individuals. He said the service, called Absher, can be utilized by registering at the Ministry of Interior's website (https://www.moi.gov.sa/) or through the Passports Department's website (http://www.gdp.gov.sa/). Electronic services currently include issuing exit/re-entry and final exit visas, cancelation of visas, travel permits and issuing and renewing Iqamas for individuals and companies that employ 100 workers or less.
