Saudi Visit Visa cannot be converted into an Iqama, Jawazat warns of such claims

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has stated that it is not possible to convert a visit visa into an iqama, or Kingdom resident status.

Jawazat made these comments in response to various social media claims concerning the potential of changing a visit visa into permanent residency by paying a fee. The Jawazat refuted social media users’ accusations, claiming that converting a visit visa into an iqama for a charge is not real and unfounded.

The Jawazat went on to say that the competent authorities had given orders prohibiting the conversion of a visit visa into a permanent residency permit. If a new judgment or instruction is issued on this, it will be publicized as soon as possible through Jawazat’s official channels. Visit visa holders in Tawakkalna can contact the Health Insurance Council to correct their status.

Visit Visa holders are not allowed to work in Saudi Arabia :

The Jawazat also noted that those who enter Saudi Arabia on a visit visa are not permitted to work in the country, and that anyone who break these rules will face sanctions.

A legal expert warned against the use of social media platforms by fraudsters who want to defraud and make money illegally by making false claims that are in violation of the country’s norms and regulations.

– In April of last year, the Council of Ministers enacted the Law for Combating Financial Fraud and Deceit, which stipulates that convicted fraudsters face a maximum sentence of seven years in jail or a fine of five million Saudi Riyals, or both.

The expert went on to say that the law has provisions for punishing anyone who incites another to conduct any of the crimes listed in the statute, agrees with him, or assists him.

If the crime was committed as a result of this instigation, agreement, or aid, they shall face the same maximum penalties. The instigator would receive half of the maximum penalty if the original offense did not occur, according to the legal consultant who spoke to Saudi Gazette.