In brief
On 2 November 2026, Major General Dr. Saleh Al‑Murabba inspected a status‑correction center for Yemeni nationals in Riyadh. He called for streamlined procedures, expanded digital services, and creation of similar centers nationwide. The move aims to help Yemenis regularize their residency status in Saudi Arabia.
On Sunday, 2 November 2026, Major General Dr. Saleh Al‑Murabba, Acting Director General of the General Directorate of Passports, inspected a status‑correction center at the Al‑Ha’ir administrative centre in Riyadh Region. The center serves Yemeni nationals whose residency status in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is irregular, providing assistance to transition them into lawful status. Al‑Murabba’s visit came amid a broader effort to improve the efficiency and reach of government services for expatriates.
During the inspection, the Acting Director General looked over daily operations and the staff’s workflow. He urged passport personnel to redouble efforts to streamline procedures and reduce waiting times, so that Yemeni beneficiaries can settle their status in line with regulations. Al‑Murabba specifically highlighted the need for clear procedural steps and consistent application of rules, ensuring that each case is handled in a timely and fair manner.
Al‑Murabba also stressed the importance of digital services. He encouraged the directorate to expand online platforms that allow applicants to submit documents, track case progress, and receive notifications without frequent in‑person visits. By adopting digital solutions, the agency hopes to cut administrative bottlenecks and enhance transparency for users who rely on these services for everyday needs.
In addition to process improvements, Al‑Murabba called for the creation of similar status‑correction centers across the Kingdom. He noted that the Al‑Ha’ir centre could serve as a model, demonstrating how localized service points can effectively assist communities. The expansion plan intends to widen coverage, especially in areas with high numbers of Yemeni expatriates, ensuring equal access to residency regularisation.
The focus on Yemenis reflects a broader social and economic context in Saudi Arabia, where a significant portion of the workforce comes from neighboring countries. Providing clear pathways for residency regularisation supports labor stability and protects the rights of workers who contribute to the Saudi economy. By addressing irregular status promptly, the government aims to reduce the risk of exploitation and legal uncertainties for these workers.
Major General Al‑Murabba’s comments emphasize institutional accountability. The General Directorate of Passports, under his acting leadership, is being urged to meet public expectations for efficient service delivery. The inspection signals a commitment to transparency and responsiveness, key values for a democratic society that shares information openly with its citizens.
In concluding remarks, Al‑Murabba reiterated that the status‑correction center is part of a long‑term initiative. It is meant to create a network of support points throughout Saudi Arabia, linking Yemeni nationals to legal channels that confirm their residency status. The directive underscores the intersection of public administration, human rights, and economic policy, shaping how expatriates navigate citizenship responsibilities in the Kingdom.
Overall, the inspection and subsequent directives aim to ease administrative burdens for Yemeni nationals, improve service quality across the passport system, and ensure that the Kingdom’s institutions uphold accountability standards toward its diverse population. The initiative reflects an increasing focus on efficient, accessible governance, maintaining the public trust in a system that serves as a gateway for millions of foreign residents.
