Saudi Arabia Waives Residency Fees for Displaced Persons

The Saudi Council of Ministers has enacted royal decrees allowing certain displaced persons to obtain legal residency in Saudi Arabia without incurring the usual fees associated with residency permits (iqama) and work permits. This initiative aims to assist vulnerable populations, particularly those from conflict-affected neighboring countries, by eliminating financial barriers that prevent them from regularizing their status.

The decrees not only waive future fees but also clear any outstanding fines for previous residency violations. Eligible displaced individuals have a multi-year window to formalize their residency, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to amnesty and regularization programs for undocumented migrants.

The provisions specifically cover residency permit fees, work permit fees, and previously incurred fines, facilitating a pathway for those who have been living informally in the kingdom to comply with local laws.