Afghans living in Saudi Arabia will soon have an easier path to sort out their official papers. The Afghan Embassy in Riyadh announced that the passport information transfer process begins next Monday, March 30. This move aims to help many residents align their Afghan identity with proper documents and reduce daily headaches with residency and work.
What the Information Transfer Process Means
The transfer process lets Afghans update and match their personal details across documents. Many residents in the kingdom hold Pakistani passports from past migrations during years of conflict in Afghanistan. They can now register their original Afghan identity and link it to an Afghan passport.
This step clarifies legal status. It makes it simpler to handle jobs, renew residence permits, open bank accounts, and complete other official tasks in Saudi Arabia. The embassy worked closely with Saudi authorities to launch the service at passport offices across the country.
The process starts March 30 following efforts by the Afghan Embassy and Saudi government cooperation.
Step by Step Guide to Apply
Applicants must follow clear steps to avoid delays. First create an account on the embassy website. Then fill out the special information transfer form online.
Key requirements include:
- Afghan and Pakistani passport details must match exactly in name, father’s name, and date of birth.
- Upload copies of passports, tazkira (Afghan national ID), and iqama (Saudi residence permit).
- Book an appointment through the online system.
A text message will confirm the appointment time. Embassy officials stress that people should not show up without one. Those who already hold matching Afghan and Pakistani passports can also apply after booking.
For full passport issuance along with the transfer, prepare extra items. These include printed application forms, witness tazkiras with photos, fingerprints for biometrics, an Absher no-criminal-record certificate, original Pakistani passport and iqama, multiple copies of documents, seven passport photos on white background, and national address details. Special cases like name mismatches need prior fixes.
The Afghan Consulate General in Jeddah can handle some submissions for those holding both passports.
Background on Afghans Living in the Kingdom
Around 132,000 Afghans lived in Saudi Arabia according to recent census data. Many work in various sectors and send money home to support families.2
For years some used Pakistani passports because of refugee movements during the Soviet era and later conflicts. Reports over time showed thousands of cases where Afghans held Pakistani documents, sometimes leading to complications with authorities. Saudi officials recovered over 12,000 such passports from Afghans in past years, highlighting the need for clearer identity records.
This new process addresses those long standing issues. It comes at a time when Afghans abroad face extra challenges with documents after changes in the region since 2021.
Why This Matters for Daily Life and Families
The transfer brings practical relief. Correct Afghan papers help with Absher services, the main digital platform for government interactions in Saudi Arabia. Workers can renew iqamas more smoothly and avoid problems at checkpoints or job sites.
Families feel the difference too. Fathers working in construction or services can focus better knowing their status is secure. Mothers and children benefit from stable residency. Many Afghans view this as a sign of improving support from their embassy.
The cooperation between Afghan diplomats and Saudi officials stands out. It shows practical help for a community that contributes to the kingdom while staying connected to home. In tough global times for Afghan citizens, small wins like this build real stability.
This development offers hope to thousands trying to build better lives abroad. It reduces risks tied to mismatched identities and opens doors for smoother futures.
The embassy urges everyone to prepare documents carefully and use the online system to book appointments right away.
In summary, the passport information transfer process starting March 30 marks an important step for Afghans in Saudi Arabia. It promises clearer identities, fewer obstacles, and stronger official recognition in daily life. For many families separated by distance, it brings peace of mind and a chance to move forward with confidence. What are your thoughts on this new service? Share them in the comments below.
