Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) stated that the wife of an expatriate whose religion differs from her husband must issue an independent Iqama.

The Jawazat confirmed that the procedures stipulate that if the expatriate who is the head of a family wishes to add his wife and his minor children to his residence permit (iqama), that his wife is required to obtain an independent iqama with a legally prescribed fee of SR500, in the case that her religion is different from his religion.

The Jawazat has also revealed the procedures that must be taken to request adding wives and minor children to the residence permit of the head of the family.

It said that: First, the head of the family must fill out the application form and match the information to reality as recorded in the passport, and then sign the form.

Second, the head of the family must bring the passport of his wife and children who he wants to add to his Iqama, in addition to an entry visa issued by the Saudi embassy to reside with their guardian or the legal or formal document to be able to add them.

The Jawazat stated that the procedures also include bringing a separate and colored photo of each family member in the size of "4 x 6", as well as bringing the original Iqama of the head of the family who wants to add them to it.

If the wife whom the head of the family wants to add to his Iqama and he has married her in Saudi Arabia, the Jawazat noted that then her sponsorship (kafala) must first be transferred to her husband after bringing a copy of the marriage contract and paying the fees prescribed by law. Then her name will be added to her husband's Iqama.

As for minor children who were born in Saudi Arabia whom the head of the family wishes to add to his Iqama, he must bring the original and a copy of their birth certificate.

Additionally, the procedures also require the presence of a medical report from one of the approved hospitals or clinics, after which the head of the family can send the report automatically.

It is worth mentioning that the Jawazat have attached a website that shows the approved hospitals or clinics: https://www.efada.com.sa/EMC.UI/Hospitals/HospitalListForUnregistredUsers.aspx