Expatriates in Saudi Arabia hurry up for biometrics!

The Passport Department in Saudi Arabia is sending SMS messages to expatriate men and women urging them to give their biometrics and those working for them in order to protect their rights and receive quick services. Col. Badr Al-Malik, director of media affairs and the department’s spokesman, said his organization enforced fingerprinting for expat women on March 31. He said the program to register biometrics of male and female expats would be carried out in phases. “The first phase will start when they apply for new resident permits or transfer of sponsorship or change of profession or for the replacement of a lost iqama,” he said. Those interested may visit the department’s website (www.gdp.gov.sa) to know the centers where fingerprinting facility is available. The system would protect the rights and interests of both Saudis and expats. Arab News