To streamline, define regulations and build-up diplomatic relations, social and commercial activities, arrangements for the Hajj pilgrims, an urgent demand for a specialized system for passports and travelling procedures was needed to be put in place.
This mission was assigned to Makkah Police Department in 1343 H., which took full responsibility for passports and resident permits (Iqama.)
On 17/11/1348 H Majlis Al-Shura Decision no.344 was issued to describe Passports System that included exit, entry conditions and procedures to issue Saudi passports.
On 20/10/1353 H Majlis Al-Shura Decision no. 178 was issued regarding the ID System.
On 12/8/1356 H, Order no. 57/3/12 was issued to describe Iqama (resident permit) system.
On, 5/11/1380 H the Cabinet order no.571 was issued to establish Passports and Citizenship Department.
Cabinet Order no.1001 dated 10/11/1391 H was issued to assign an MOI Deputy Assistant for Passports and Citizenship.
Cabinet Order no.1195 dated 10/5/1393 H was issued to organize Passports Institute workflow, and training qualified work force to handle passport responsibilities.
Cabinet order no.894 dated 27/7/1395 H was issued to assign an MOI Deputy for Passports and Civil Affairs. Based on that, Cabinet order no. 1039/T dated 9/10/1395 H., was issued to transfer passports and citizenship department into MOI Agency of Passports and Civil Affairs.
On 15/9/1402 H, Approval no. 21633 was issued to separate passports from Civil Affairs agency to be the General Directorate of Passports, which is directly linked to HRH the Minister of Interior. The Passports Organizational Structure was reformed administratively, geographically and qualitatively.