JEDDAH: The Passport Department (Jawazat) has plans to issue iqamas (residency permits) to expatriate workers on arrival at the airport, the department's chief said.
"This can be achieved by setting up an integrated electronic system," said Lt. Gen. Salim Al-Belaihed, adding that the move is planned as part of the government's efforts to expand electronic services.
"Our goal is to enhance services to citizens and expatriates and help them receive our services at their homes and offices without the need for visiting the Jawazat," he told Al-Watan Arabic daily.
Businessmen and company executives are happy over the news and said it would have a positive impact on their business activities.
"We welcome this move by the Jawazat," said Rafeek Younus, managing director of Saudi Engineering Group International and vice president of Saihati Group. "It's good news for both expatriate workers and company owners," he added.
He said the issuance of iqamas at the airport would help expatriates report to work the next day of their arrival without delay, adding that the move would save thousands of work hours, which were wasted in the past, and boost the economy.
"Since medical examination of foreign workers is conducted by well-qualified health centers under the strict observation of Saudi missions abroad, there is no need for anther medical test in the Kingdom. This will allow Jawazat to issue iqamas at the airports on arrival of workers without delay," he said.
Younus also pointed out that some companies such as Saudi Aramco and Saudi Electricity Company would not issue IDs to foreign workers until they obtain iqamas.
In comments published on Thursday, Al-Belaihed said his department would punish its staff accused of misbehaving with the public. He agreed that Jawazat staff as well as other government employees should serve people with a smile. "But some employees may not do it for various reasons. We can see such employees even in Western countries."
Al-Belaihed launched a small card system for regular passengers to pass through the immigration quickly. "We have established five e-gates at King Khaled Airport in Riyadh and four at King Fahd Airport in Dammam," he said, adding that the system would be introduced in all other Saudi airports gradually.
© Arab News 2011
