Latest news with #Passports
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia extends exit deadline for visit visa holders by 30 days
RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports announced the extension of the grace period for the final departure of visit visa holders across all categories and designations. The new 30-day window will begin on the 1st of Safar, 1447 AH, and is conditional on the payment of applicable fees and fines as stipulated by Saudi regulations. According to the statement, eligible individuals can benefit from this initiative by submitting a request through the 'Tawasul' service available on the Ministry of Interior's digital platform 'Absher.' The directorate urged all visitors to take advantage of the extended period within the specified timeframe to ensure legal departure from the Kingdom and avoid further penalties. The initiative aims to streamline exit procedures and support compliance with Saudi Arabia's residency and immigration laws. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Tom's Guide
10-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
8 more states are getting Apple Wallet digital driver's licenses — see if yours is on the list
In the last couple of years Apple has been partnering with various U.S. states to allow you to add a digital version of your driver's license to your Apple Wallet. It's a convenient way to display proof of identity without fumbling for your physical wallet. After a slow rollout, Apple has already announced that eight more states are adopting the feature, including: This Apple Wallet feature was announced back in 2021 but has been slow to take hold. To date, only nine U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Japan have adopted the service. Apple reiterated that more states were coming during WWDC 2025 in May, though a timeline or specific states were not provided at the time. Here are the states that already offer the feature: Select U.S. airports do support digital IDs at TSA checkpoints, including Passports which should arrive with iOS 26 later this year. These include: The Apple Wallet Digital ID coming later this year will allow you to create a U.S. passport in your Wallet, though it doesn't replace your physical passport, it also won't be usable for international travel or border crossing. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Yemen Online
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yemen Online
Yemen Launches Electronic Visa System to Streamline Entry Procedures
The Yemeni government has officially launched its electronic visa (eVisa) system, marking a major step toward modernizing immigration services and improving access for international travelers. The system was inaugurated on June 24, 2025, in the interim capital Aden, under the supervision of the Immigration, Passports, and Nationality Authority, with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funding from the United States. According to Deputy Director General Major General Abduljabbar Salem, the eVisa platform is now live at allowing applicants to submit visa requests online for entry into Yemen through official border crossings. The system is designed to streamline the application process, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency and security. Officials highlighted that the eVisa rollout is part of a broader digital transformation initiative, with 85% of the Authority's services now automated, including passport issuance, nationality services, border control, and residency permits for both Arabs and foreigners. The move has been welcomed by travel and business communities, who see it as a positive step toward reopening Yemen to the world after years of conflict and isolation. Authorities emphasized that all applications will be subject to standard security checks and official approvals.
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
135,000 Pakistanis sought asylum in Europe, US in two years
Listen to article As many as 135,000 Pakistanis have applied for political asylum in Europe and the United States over the past two years, a Senate committee was informed on Tuesday. The figure includes 125,000 asylum applications in different European countries and more than 10,000 in the US. The startling revelations were shared by the director general of Passports during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis which was chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada. The DG informed lawmakers that more than 52,000 Pakistanis have been deported over the past two years. Iran alone deported 34,000 Pakistani nationals attempting to enter the country illegally, while Saudi Arabia deported 5,000 Pakistani citizens involved in begging. Saudi Arabia has also reduced its work visa quota for Pakistanis and tightened the criteria for visa issuance. Meanwhile, several countries, including the UAE, Italy, the UK, and other European nations, have suspended student visa programs for Pakistani applicants. Officials from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis confirmed these developments, adding that some countries are bypassing legal proceedings by repatriating Pakistanis immediately under provisions of the Passport Act, rather than jailing them. The DG also disclosed that the passports of deported Pakistanis have been blocked, and those found involved in criminal activities abroad are facing strict legal consequences. Despite these setbacks, the officials said that over 10.3 million skilled and professional Pakistanis continue to work overseas, contributing to the country's economy through remittances.
Gulf Insider
02-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Blocks 260,000 Unauthorised Pilgrims From Entering Mecca
More than 260,000 people without Hajj permits have been turned away from entering Mecca, as part of the Kingdom's large-scale security crackdown to ensure a safe and regulated pilgrimage season. Speaking at a joint press conference of Hajj security commanders, Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Bassami, Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, confirmed that a total of 269,000 unregistered pilgrims were prevented from reaching the holy city of Mecca. Security authorities arrested 1,239 people attempting to transport unauthorised pilgrims and imposed penalties on more than 75,000 violators of Hajj regulations. They also impounded over 5,000 vehicles and turned back 110,000 others at checkpoints for attempting to carry illegal pilgrims. More than 415 fake Hajj offices were shut down, and permanent checkpoints at Mecca's entry points remain active to intercept further violations. Al Bassami highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to support enforcement efforts and ensure the integrity of the pilgrimage. 'Security personnel will remain vigilant against anyone seeking to violate Hajj regulations,' he said. Meanwhile, Major General Dr Saleh Saad Al Murabba, Director General of Passports, revealed that over 1.47 million international pilgrims have arrived so far, with the Mecca Route Initiative expanding to eight countries and 12 embarkation points. The initiative streamlines immigration procedures at departure airports, using advanced technologies and multilingual staff. Field teams are also deployed with mobile equipment to assist pilgrims and identify unregistered individuals. Maj. Gen Al Murabba urged pilgrims to depart promptly after completing Hajj to avoid legal consequences, assuring that preparations are in place to facilitate smooth exits. The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its full readiness to deal firmly with any threats to Hajj security. The State Security Presidency confirmed the implementation of robust crowd management plans, particularly at the Jamarat facility, while Special Emergency Forces are conducting field missions to protect pilgrims and prevent infiltration.
