Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has clarified the conditions for using electronic authorization through the Absher platform.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The clarification is relevant to employers, global mobility teams, expatriate employees, and dependents managing time-sensitive immigration and residency procedures in Saudi Arabia. Electronic authorization may reduce the need for an individual to visit a passport office personally, but its use depends on the availability of an eligible Saudi citizen with an active Absher account.
Key Highlights
The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has clarified the validation conditions for electronic authorization through Absher and identified a broad list of passport-related services available through the platform. The announcement is significant for users managing residency, visa, passport, and dependent-related transactions because it confirms that authorization can be completed electronically, subject to eligibility conditions.
- Two validation conditions apply: The authorized person is required to be a Saudi citizen, and both the authorizing party and the authorized person is required to have active accounts on the Absher platform.
- Authorization may be cancelled: Either party may cancel the authorization at any time, according to the General Directorate of Passports.
- Passport and residency services are covered: The listed services include issuing and renewing iqama, receiving printed iqama copies, reporting lost iqamas, reporting lost or damaged passports, and checking previous passports.
- Visa and travel-related services are included: The electronic authorization services include issuing and canceling travel permits for dependents, exit and re-entry visas, and final exit visas.
- Employment and dependent administration may be affected: The list includes reporting absconding of workers, adding and removing dependents, transferring dependent status of head of household, changing professions, transferring services, transferring information, extending visit visas, and registering “left and not returned” status.
- Users can manage authorizations through Absher: Absher users may electronically authorize another person to complete a service on their behalf and may view or cancel issued authorizations through Absher Individuals services.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, organizations and global mobility teams might consider the following:
- Organizations could identify the types of employee and dependent transactions for which electronic authorization may be relevant.
- Organizations could verify that both parties have active Absher accounts before a planned transaction.
- Mobility teams could review whether affected employees understand that the authorized person is required to be a Saudi citizen.
- Mobility teams could maintain appropriate records of issued and cancelled authorizations in accordance with internal privacy and records management requirements.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified tax or social security professional or a member of the GMS/People Services team with KPMG in the Lower Gulf (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Saudi Gazette, “Passports Directorate Sets Two Conditions for Electronic Authorization via Absher,” published on August 25, 2026.
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Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the United Arab Emirates.
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