RIYADH — The Passport Department has announced that the issuance of Muqeem cards for expatriate workers will start from Oct. 14. The new identity cards will replace the current residence permits (iqama). The new identity cards will be valid for five years. Expatriates will have to renew their cards electronically each year according to residency and labor regulations. At the beginning of next month, the Passport Department will bar all companies and establishments from visiting its offices and they will instead be served electronically. Identity cards of workers will be delivered to companies and establishments via mail. Iqamas issued earlier will be withdrawn gradually from the start of the coming Hijri year during renewal, transfer of sponsorship or the issuance of new identity cards. For the next year, both cards will be valid but all residence permits will be withdrawn in one year. New identity cards can be renewed through the Abshir or Muqeem systems.
