RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has started extending the validity of iqama (residency permit) and exit and re-entry visas of expatriates, who are outside the Kingdom, as well as the validity of visit visas automatically without fees until Aug. 31. This extension, which is in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, is applicable only to expatriates and foreigners from the nine countries from where entry to the Kingdom is currently banned due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The Minister of Finance issued an order in this regard as part of the continuous efforts undertaken by the Saudi government in tackling the effects and consequences of COVID-19. It is also part of the preventive measures that guarantee the safety of citizens and residents and contribute to mitigating its economic and financial effects. Jawazat confirmed that the extension of the validity of visas will be carried out automatically and that is in cooperation with the National Information Center without the need to visit any Jawazat offices in this respect.