Saudi Arabia has introduced a new service that allows employers to update the passport details of expatriate workers through the Absher platform.
This digital initiative eliminates the need for in-person visits to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).
Available for a fee of SAR 69, inclusive of VAT, the service is designed for expatriates aged 18 and above following their passport renewal.
Employers can access the update feature in the “My Services” section of Absher under the “Passports” category.
To complete the update, a clear photo of the new passport must be uploaded, with the platform automatically extracting the passport number and expiry date for convenience.
However, certain conditions apply are as follows:
- the expatriate or their employer must confirm that the previous passport has not been lost and that there are no reports of ‘absence from work’ against the individual.
- the residency permit (Iqama) must be free of outstanding traffic violations, and there should be no security restrictions affecting either party.
The online update service can only be used once every five years per individual. If an expatriate has obtained an additional passport during this time or if the previous passport is lost, a personal visit to Jawazat is required.
