expats
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia to launch voluntary pension, savings scheme for expats
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is preparing to introduce a new voluntary pension and savings scheme that will be available to both citizens and expatriates. The initiative, reported in the…
- Middle East
Repatriation of mortal remains: Indian consulate in Dubai issues guidelines
Dubai: The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai has issued an advisory for the Indian diaspora in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the repatriation of mortal remains, warning families against…
- Middle East
Kuwait expands family visa validity, scraps salary requirement
Kuwait City: Kuwait has introduced major changes to its visa regulations, allowing expatriates to bring extended family members on visit visas valid for up to one year and removing the long-standing minimum…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia’s population hits 35.3M in 2024, expats make up 44.4 pc
Riyadh: The total population of Saudi Arabia rose to 35.3 million people by the end of 2024, with citizens accounting for 55.6 percent of the total. The population increased by an estimated…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia launches skill-based work permit system for expats
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has introduced a new skill-based classification system for expatriate work permits, categorising them into three levels: high-skilled, skilled, and…
- Middle East
Dubai offers special home deals for first-time expat buyers
Dubai: Dubai has launched a new initiative aimed at making homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers, including both Emiratis and expatriates. The First-Time Home Buyer Programme, launched by the Dubai Land Department…
- Middle East
Oman grants citizenship to over 150 expats
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman on Sunday, May 18, granted citizenship to 156 expats living in the country. Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik issued Royal Decree No. 17/2025, following a review of the…
- Middle East
Saudi Green Card: Benefits, eligibility, costs and how to apply
The Saudi Premium Residency, often referred to as the “Saudi Green Card,” is a special residency programme that offers expats long-term residency with enhanced rights and opportunities. It allows greater independence, property…
- Middle East
Easier travel to Kuwait: New eVisa options for expats in GCC countries
Kuwait has updated and expanded the eligibility criteria for its electronic visa (eVisa) system for expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This move aims to encourage tourism, business travel, and…
- Middle East
Indian Embassy in UAE to hold open house for expats
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced that it will host an Open House on Friday, May 2, from 2 pm to 4 pm. The initiative aims…
- Middle East
Haj 2025: Electronic Makkah entry permits now available for expats
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced the commencement of electronic applications for entry permits to Makkah for expatriate workers ahead of the upcoming Haj 1446…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia: Expats can now update passport information online
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has launched a new service that allows employers to update the passport information of their expatriate workers via the Absher platform, removing…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia eases Iqama renewal rules for expats
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has introduced a new policy that allows expatriates to renew their Iqama (residency permit) even if their family members are outside the…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia deports over 7,500 illegal expats in one week
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has deported more than 7,500 expatriates for residency, labour, and border law violations, from March 27 to April 2. During this period, the Ministry of…
- Middle East
Haj 2025: Meningitis vaccine mandatory for Saudi citizens, expats
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has confirmed that the meningitis vaccination is mandatory for both citizens and expatriates within the Kingdom who wish to perform Haj 1446 AH-2025. In a…
