The figures are available from January 1 to November 15, 2021. Most Iqama cancellers are from Arab and Asian countries. The number of Iqamah cancellations during the same period last year was 44,124. Most of those who failed to return were due to travel restrictions imposed by Kovid. This includes those who have been deported for violating the law, those who have voluntarily canceled their iqama after completing their work, and expatriates who have decided to return home permanently.
The increase is attributed to the high number of people who are unable to return to the country on time and renew their iqama due to the crisis created by the Kovid epidemic. Although the Home Ministry had facilitated online renewal of residency for those stranded outside the country due to the Kovid, a large percentage of people did not take advantage of it, according to statistics.
During the Kovid period, the Department of Housing had set up an online iqama renewal facility for those stranded outside the country, officials said. The condition that the iqama be revoked if one stays outside the country for more than six months was also temporarily waived at this time. Decision not to renew eqama for non-graduating foreigners over 60 years of age This is the reason why many people have agreed to emigrate. Dispute resolved without the approval of the Fatwa Legislative Committee The Manpower Authority was behind the incident.