In Saudi Arabia, the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) states that it is not possible to convert a visit visa into an iqama or resident permit.
Jawazat clarified some reports in social media about the possibility of converting a visit visa to a permanent residency on payment of a fee. Jawazat says such claims of social media users are false and baseless, and the conversion of a visit visa into an iqama for a fee is not true.
The Jawazat further pointed out that instructions were issued by the competent authorities to not allow the conversion of a visit visa into a permanent residency. In the event a new decision or instruction is issued, it will be announced as soon as possible via Jawazat.
Visit Visa holders are not allowed to work in Saudi Arabia :
According to the Jawazat, those who arrive in Saudi Arabia on a visit visa are not permitted to work in the Kingdom and those who violate these regulations will face punishment.
A legal consultant has warned against such practices of fraudsters on social media platforms, who make false claims to make money illegally and in violation of the laws in the country.
As per the Law for Combating Financial Fraud and Deceit passed by the Council of Ministers last April, the convicted fraudsters will face imprisonment of not more than seven years or a fine of not more than 5 million Saudi Riyals, or both.
According to the consultant, there are provisions in the law to punish anyone who incites another to commit any of the crimes stipulated in the law, agrees with him or helps him commit any crime.
When a crime was committed due to incitement, agreement, or assistance, the same maximum penalties will apply to them as well. Saudi Gazette quoted the legal consultant as saying that if the original crime did not occur, the instigator would get half of the maximum penalty.
SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES
