The General Directorate of Passports (GDP) has urged all expats residing in the Kingdom to renew their (resident identity) cards in advance enough before its expiration date, through the MOI's e-Absher portal, after paying the necessary fees through banking channels, to avoid any resulting fines or other penalties.
The GDP explained that the resident's identity card is a modern alternative that has replaced the residence permits (Eqama) card at the onset of 1437 A.H. It is an ID card for its holder that is characterized by many new specifications, including the 5-year validity period; besides that, it must be renewed electronically each year, without re-printing the card.
The resident's identity card is issued for the first time after applying for it electronically through the MOI's e-service programs "Absher" or "Muqeem". And it will be delivered to the beneficiary by the Saudi Post (Wasel).
The GDP has stressed the importance of maintaining the resident's identity card, which it said must not be mortgaged or used for other purposes different from those meant for.
