Saudi Arabia has introduced a new initiative allowing Yemeni nationals living in the kingdom without valid documentation to obtain a free six-month visit visa. The programme, which began on October 11, 2026, is part of a two-month status regularisation exercise being implemented across all regions of the country. This move is in response to a request from Dr Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and was directed by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia confirmed the programme, which aims to provide a pathway for Yemeni nationals to regularise their stay in the kingdom. Eligible Yemenis who lack valid passports or documents are required to secure an appointment through Saudi Arabia's Absher digital platform, select an appropriate regularisation centre, and attend in person at their assigned time. At the appointment, individuals must produce evidence of Yemeni nationality, whether a passport or an official travel document from the Yemeni embassy.
The programme extends to four categories of Yemeni residents. Those whose visitor IDs or visas have expired but whose biometric information already exists in Saudi systems will receive an automatic six-month extension electronically, provided they hold a valid passport. This extension is designed to simplify the process for those who have been living in the kingdom with valid documentation but require an extension of their stay.
Yemeni nationals with expired residency permits, known as iqamas, who still hold valid travel documents may transfer to a new employer using the Absher, Qiwa, or Musaned platforms. Alternatively, they may opt to leave on a final exit visa without facing any restrictions on re-entry at a later date. This flexibility is aimed at helping Yemeni nationals to maintain their legal status in the kingdom.
A fourth group covered by the initiative includes individuals who have been reported as absent from work. These applicants can cancel the report and arrange a transfer to a new employer through the same digital channels. This provision is expected to benefit those who have faced difficulties in maintaining their employment status due to circumstances beyond their control.
Appointments will be served at designated centres spread across the kingdom. Riyadh will host four centres, while Aseer and the Eastern Region will each accommodate three. Makkah, Jazan, and Al-Jouf will have two centres apiece, with single centres operating in Najran, Madinah, Al-Baha, the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Qassim, and Hail. This extensive network of centres is designed to ensure that Yemeni nationals can access the regularisation process conveniently.
The programme is a significant development in Saudi Arabia's efforts to regularise the status of Yemeni nationals living in the kingdom. By providing a free six-month visit visa, the Saudi government aims to support those who have been living without valid documentation. The initiative is also expected to contribute to the overall stability and security of the kingdom by bringing more individuals into the formal system.
Key points
- Yemeni nationals without valid documents must book appointments through the Absher platform and present proof of Yemeni nationality.
- The programme extends to four categories of Yemeni residents, including those with expired visitor IDs or visas, expired residency permits, and individuals reported as absent from work.
- Appointments will be served at designated centres spread across the kingdom, with Riyadh hosting four centres and other regions hosting one or more centres.
