The Egyptian government has initiated the process of issuing national ID cards to its citizens residing in Saudi Arabia. As of Saturday, October 31, 2026, committees responsible for issuing these cards began their work at the Egyptian Consulate General in Jeddah and the Egyptian Consular Mission in Riyadh. This effort is part of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian community abroad's endeavors to expand consular services and facilitate the acquisition of official documents for Egyptian citizens living outside the country.
The committees will operate until November 10, 2026, in coordination with the Civil Affairs Sector of the Egyptian Ministry of Interior. This move aims to provide Egyptian citizens in Saudi Arabia with easier access to national ID cards, a crucial document for various administrative and legal purposes. The initiative reflects the government's commitment to enhancing services for its citizens abroad.
This development is a continuation of the government's efforts to reach out to Egyptian communities in various countries. Following successful operations in Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Kuwait, where several thousand national ID cards were issued, the government plans to dispatch similar committees to other countries. This expansion is in response to requests from Egyptian citizens abroad and aligns with the outcomes of the seventh conference of Egyptians abroad, held in Cairo in early August.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the community abroad have urged Egyptian citizens in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries to contact their respective consulates or diplomatic missions to inquire about the required documents, prepare them, and schedule appointments. This organization aims to enable the issuance of national ID cards to as many interested citizens as possible.
The process of issuing national ID cards to Egyptian citizens abroad is part of a broader strategy to provide comprehensive consular services. By simplifying the procedures for obtaining essential documents, the government seeks to strengthen its ties with the Egyptian diaspora and ensure their administrative and legal affairs are efficiently managed.
The initiative has been welcomed by Egyptian citizens in Saudi Arabia, who see it as a significant step towards facilitating their integration into their host country while maintaining their Egyptian identity. The availability of national ID cards will likely have a positive impact on their daily lives, enabling them to access various services and rights more easily.
As the committees in Jeddah and Riyadh begin their work, the Egyptian government remains committed to expanding these services to other countries, reflecting its dedication to serving its citizens worldwide. This effort underscores the importance of the diaspora community to Egypt and the government's resolve to support them.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has started issuing national ID cards to its citizens in Saudi Arabia through committees set up at its consulates in Jeddah and Riyadh.
- The initiative aims to provide easier access to national ID cards for Egyptian citizens living abroad, enhancing consular services.
- The process is part of a broader strategy to support the Egyptian diaspora and facilitate their administrative and legal affairs.
