ABHA — A total of 25,515 illegal Yemenis all over the Kingdom have corrected their residence status since an amnesty for the community started on May 10, Al-Watan reported. A source from the Department of Passports said Yemenis should rectify their papers quickly so they can stay and work in the country legally as stated in a royal decree by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. “All requirements and conditions are stated clearly at the department's website, www.gdp.gov.sa. Those who have questions may call 992.” Asir Passport Department head Absullah Al-Baidhani said Abha and Khamis Mushayt passports departments have issued more than 9,000 residence permits for Yemeni expatriates since the beginning of the amnesty. He said: “The passport departments will issue a temporary visitors' card for six months for illegal Yemenis. “The applicant may extend the duration after bringing an official statement from the Yemeni Consulate. The applicant may visit the passport department's website to read about the required documents.” He added applicants must pay SR200 in a check authenticated by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency. “The applicant must also have a medical report, four recent passport photos in color and a Saudi or legal Yemeni host who will be responsible for the applicant's stay in the Kingdom,” said Al-Baidhani. He added the passport department in Abha is located in front of Asir Mall and their service is open every day of the week from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and then from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. He said: “The applicant must have his national identity and passport with him. “If he does not have any of these documents he must present two legal Yemenis as witnesses.”
