The Department of Passports (Jawazat) has clarified that expat workers will not have to pay the fee for dependents who are in the Kingdom on a visit visa.

"No extra fees beyond the SR100 for the monthly extension of the visit visa will be charged," the Jawazat said.

The clarification came following rumours that expats will have to pay the fee for dependents even on visit visas at the time of visa extension.

However, despite Jawazat's clarification, a number of parents have been asked to cough up more than SR100 for a visit visa extension.

Assistant director general of the Jawazat for IT affairs Khaled Al-Saikhan was quoted as saying in a report published in Saudi Gazette on Tuesday that these people should ask their banks to refund the extra money they paid for the visit visa extension.

He pointed out that the fees for dependents are paid annually in advance at the time of the issuance or renewal of iqamas (residence permits), issuance of exit-reentry visas or when the final exit visa is required.

"There are no dependents' fees on the issuance or extension of a family visit visa. Anyone who is asked to do so should resort to the concerned bank," he has been quoted by the daily.

The original story appeared here.

Source: Khaleej Times