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[nomad soul]

Muqeem cards for expats in a week
Saudi Gazette | October 08, 2015
Source: http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20151009259131

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Iqamas issued earlier will be withdrawn gradually from the start of the coming Hijri year during renewal, transfer of sponsorship or the issuance of new identity cards. For the next year, both cards will be valid but all residence permits will be withdrawn in one year.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.

(End of article)

[nomad soul]

Muqeem card won’t cut stay of expats
Saudi Gazette report | October 13, 2015
Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/muqeem-card-wont-cut-stay-of-expats/

JEDDAH — Maj. Gen. Solaiman Al-Yahya, director general of the Department of Passports (Jawazat), on Monday denied reports circulating in social media that the new five-year Muqeem card for expatriates, to be issued starting Oct. 15, will not be renewed on expiry and that the holder will have to leave the Kingdom after five years.

Social media reports claimed that the duration of the new ID card was made five years so as to compel sponsors not to renew it after expiry. The rumors claimed that expatriates will not be able to stay in the Kingdom for more than five years.

“There is no truth to these reports. The objective behind the issuing of the new ID card is to reduce the cost of reprinting the current Iqama (residence permit) every year. It will also reduce the pressure on sponsors,” Al-Yahya told Al-Madina newspaper on Monday. He said there are rules for the renewal of the new card every year and that it can be replaced in case of loss or damage. The new card will not be delivered by hand, but only through the Wasel service (courier) of the Saudi Post. Al-Yahya said the Muqeem ID card will be automatically issued or renewed through the Muqeem website. He said they tried the courier delivery in Riyadh to deliver the Iqamas at the headquarters of the companies or establishments and added that this system will be gradually applied in all other regions.

Al-Yahya said that a number of new Jawazat services will be automated for the first time, including the reporting or canceling of Huroob (run away) cases. He, however, made it clear that a worker will be notified by a text message that he or she has been reported Huroob and will be given 15 days to file their objection at the Jawazat.

“We are keen to preserve the rights of both the workers and sponsors,” he said.

(End of article)

[rbc]

Had anyone heard anything about receiving the new identity cards via the mail?

My old iqama expired on 9 October but I have not received the new card. My company tells me the postal service is in a big mess, that hundreds of companies are waiting for the cards to be delivered. This is worrying, as my bank account is frozen--although I have withdrawn all but 50 riyals.

Thanks for any info about this.

[nomad soul]