Saudi Arabia Dispels Rumors of Fee Cancellation, Urges Residents to Verify Information
Residents of Saudi Arabia were gripped by a widespread, yet ultimately false, rumor regarding the cancellation of accompanying fees – charges levied on family members accompanying foreign workers – before the General Directorate of Passports officially clarified the situation. The unconfirmed reports, which surfaced earlier this week, suggested the elimination of the 400 riyal monthly fee per dependent, sparking both hope and, ultimately, hardship for many.
The swift spread of misinformation caused significant disruption, with thousands halting payments and overwhelming the Absher electronic platform with inquiries. One family of four faces an annual cost of 19,200 riyals in these fees, highlighting the financial impact for many expatriate households. A Riyadh-based engineer, identified as Ahmed Al-Masry, shared his experience: “I felt overwhelming joy when I read the news, and I immediately postponed paying this month’s fees, but the thunderbolt came with the official statement.”
The General Directorate of Passports swiftly moved to quell the speculation, issuing a firm statement confirming that “all the news circulating about canceling fees is incorrect, and the current system is still in effect.” This announcement came as a blow to those who had acted on the unverified information, potentially exposing them to legal complications and delayed transactions.
The incident underscores a broader concern regarding the financial strain faced by many residents. The 400 riyal monthly fee represents a substantial burden, particularly for low-income families. This is not an isolated incident; similar unconfirmed reports regarding changes to work and residency regulations have circulated in the past. According to a specialist in administrative systems, D. Saad Al-Qanouni, “Governmental transparency in denying rumors reflects the professionalism of official bodies, but residents need to understand that real changes come only through official channels.”
However, the situation is not uniform. Certain groups are exempt from these fees, a fact often unknown to those affected. A graduate student from Tunisia, Fatima Al-Tunisia, revealed, “I recently discovered that I am completely exempt from accompanying fees because I am part of the scholarship program, and this has saved me thousands of riyals.” Exemptions also extend to holders of diplomatic passports and retirees from government work.
The consequences of believing the rumor were felt acutely by some. One Palestinian resident, Muhammad, recounted facing “difficulties in renewing my residency” after postponing fee payments for two months, resulting in additional costs and delays. His experience serves as a cautionary tale.
Today, residents are left with a clear directive: the current fee structure remains in place. Experts emphasize the critical importance of verifying information through official sources, with the Absher platform serving as the primary reference for all transactions. Proactive financial planning for these fees is now more crucial than ever. While future reviews of the regulations are anticipated, compliance with existing laws is the only way to avoid potential complications. The question remains: will residents prioritize official sources to safeguard their future in Saudi Arabia?
