Expats laud Saudi extension of residency permits, visas of stranded expats

The cost-free extension was part of ongoing government efforts to ensure the safety of both Saudis and expats. (AFP/File)
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Updated 10 June 2021
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Expats laud Saudi extension of residency permits, visas of stranded expats

RIYADH: Workers and travelers from countries around the world on Wednesday praised the Saudi government for extending residency permits, exit, re-entry, and visitor visas for expatriates stranded abroad.

The General Directorate of Passports said the extension for those facing a travel ban due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic would last until July 31 and would be applied automatically in cooperation with the National Information Center.

The cost-free extension, granted on the directives of King Salman, was part of ongoing government efforts to ensure the safety of both Saudis and expats while also easing the economic and financial impacts on them.

Egyptian expat Ayman Hassan welcomed the decision and described it as a “good humanitarian gesture.”

He told Arab News: “A close relative of mine went to Egypt in February and is stranded there due to flight suspensions, and now, this decision came as a relief to him and others stranded abroad.”

Hassan said the Saudi government had taken timely measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak and provide free treatment and vaccine jabs to everyone.

Sarfaraz Ahmad, who is stuck in India, said: “I came on holiday to India to spend time with my family but got stranded here due to the second wave of COVID-19.”

And Pakistani expat Ambreen Faiz said: “By renewing residency permits and extending exit and re-entry visas, and visit visas, the Saudi government has demonstrated that it is indeed a Kingdom of humanity.”

Meanwhile, Raafat Aoun, a Lebanese construction worker in Jeddah, said that a colleague had been stranded in Beirut for the past three months and was unable to travel due to a ban on flights between the two countries.


Ramadan volunteering initiatives encourage participation of community

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Ramadan volunteering initiatives encourage participation of community

  • Opportunities include assisting pilgrims by guiding visitors; organizational support such as site management, crowd control, and event assistance
  • Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ branch in Makkah has provided several volunteering opportunities to prepare the city’s mosques for Ramadan

MAKKAH: The General Directorate of Education in the Makkah region is providing more than 200 volunteering opportunities across 13 fields to promote volunteerism during Ramadan, support pilgrim services, and foster values of giving and social responsibility.

The initiative enables volunteers to contribute to community service during the holy month, highlighting education’s role in promoting national and humanitarian values, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Opportunities include assisting pilgrims by guiding visitors; organizational support such as site management, crowd control, and event assistance; social initiatives through humanitarian projects and community service; and general volunteering work supporting various programs.

Other roles involve translation services for visitors; assisting people with disabilities; cultural programs; technical support and digital documentation; and environmental initiatives promoting sustainability.

Volunteers can also participate in training for capacity building, take on security and safety roles, and engage in health-related activities to raise preventive awareness.

Additionally, volunteers may support government agencies, strengthening field operations and coordination in serving pilgrims and the wider community.

The initiative reflects the commitment of Makkah’s education sector to promoting volunteerism and mobilizing community resources, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched several Ramadan volunteering opportunities in Madinah to enhance community participation, develop volunteer work, and promote its culture in society.

Opportunities include assisting with religious guidance; organizing worshippers’ rows; monitoring screens and electronic devices; and providing translation and field awareness services for visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.

Interested participants can register through the National Volunteer Portal by selecting the “religious” field and searching for the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque to view available opportunities, the SPA added.

Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah has also announced 21 volunteering opportunities during Ramadan to promote volunteerism, empower community participation, and support services for pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque.

Opportunities are in various fields, including simultaneous interpretation, first aid, meal distribution for fasting observers, medical services, guidance and counseling, and welcoming pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ branch in Makkah has provided several volunteering opportunities to prepare the city’s mosques for Ramadan.

The ministry has reported some 60 openings, engaging 405 male and female volunteers. Activities include organizational and service tasks to ready mosques for worshippers during the holy month.

These efforts reflect the ministry’s commitment to promoting volunteerism and fostering community participation in serving mosques, ensuring a suitable environment for worship and performing rituals with ease and tranquility.