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[Deeman15]

By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | ARAB NEWS

Published: Oct 13, 2011 22:37 Updated: Oct 13, 2011 22:37

JEDDAH: The Passport Department (Jawazat) has plans to issue iqamas (residency permits) to expatriate workers on arrival at the airport, the department�s chief said.

"This can be achieved by setting up an integrated electronic system," said Lt. Gen. Salim Al-Belaihed, adding that the move is planned as part of the government's efforts to expand electronic services.

"Our goal is to enhance services to citizens and expatriates and help them receive our services at their homes and offices without the need for visiting the Jawazat," he told Al-Watan Arabic daily.

Businessmen and company executives are happy over the news and said it would have a positive impact on their business activities.

"We welcome this move by the Jawazat," said Rafeek Younus, managing director of Saudi Engineering Group International and vice president of Saihati Group. "It's good news for both expatriate workers and company owners," he added.

He said the issuance of iqamas at the airport would help expatriates report to work the next day of their arrival without delay, adding that the move would save thousands of work hours, which were wasted in the past, and boost the economy.

"Since medical examination of foreign workers is conducted by well-qualified health centers under the strict observation of Saudi missions abroad, there is no need for anther medical test in the Kingdom. This will allow Jawazat to issue iqamas at the airports on arrival of workers without delay," he said.

Younus also pointed out that some companies such as Saudi Aramco and Saudi Electricity Company would not issue IDs to foreign workers until they obtain iqamas.

In comments published on Thursday, Al-Belaihed said his department would punish its staff accused of misbehaving with the public. He agreed that Jawazat staff as well as other government employees should serve people with a smile. "But some employees may not do it for various reasons. We can see such employees even in Western countries."

Al-Belaihed launched a small card system for regular passengers to pass through the immigration quickly. "We have established five e-gates at King Khaled Airport in Riyadh and four at King Fahd Airport in Dammam," he said, adding that the system would be introduced in all other Saudi airports gradually.


http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article517668.ece

[johnslat]

Dear Deeman15,

Could be a boon (especially if it gets rid of all those "business visas," "visit visas"); could be a fiasco.

I hope it's the former; I fear it may turn into the latter - plans in the Kingdom don't always work out too well (e.g. various Saudization plans)

"The harsh truth is that Saudization has been an abject failure. Despite two decades of government campaigns, companies in the private sector continue to employ foreigners rather than Saudis � indeed do so in ever increasing numbers.

That is because expatriates are far cheaper to employ than Saudis. They can also be sacked easily. There is an issue too about Saudis� work ethic. There may be plenty of voices protesting that Saudis are as dedicated workers as anyone else, but there is an undeniable problem. If there were not, why are there Saudi companies that refuse to employ Saudis? (Saudi men, that is; Saudi women are welcome.) Or employ them so that the numbers look right on the books, but tell them to stay at home? It happens."

http://www.arabnews.com/opinion/editorial/article393323.ece

Only time will tell.

Regards,
John

[Win Some Lose Some]

Sorry, but I'm going to impolitely yawn at that linked article which I read in full. The killer word for me was "planned" with no implementation dates given or even implied. I "plan" to be king of the world, but please don't ask me for my implementation date.

I guess another term could be "pipe dream," but that could lead to some heavy time in an unsavory Saudi "correctional" institution, I expect or even the "death penalty" as the Saudis are fond of mentioning in many of their warnings about what not to bring or what not to do whilst spending time in the "Magic" Kingdom.

[posh]

Iqamas at the airport would be a disaster. This is the land of incompetence and if it takes a guy over an hour to process 20 exit visas at an airport, it will take them days to issue an iqama.