For expatriates living in any country, they need to ensure the validity of their passports in order to legalize their stay as well as to be able to travel to any part of the world. When it comes to Pakistani expatriates, Saudi Arabia is the top country with most number of Pakistanis working and living there. To serve these large number of Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia–Embassy of Pakistan operates in Riyadh along with Consulates in Jeddah and Khobar regions to facilitate people living in different parts of the kingdom.
Many people need to know the full process to renew Pakistani passport in Saudi Arabia once their passport expiry date comes near. In this post, we will explain step by step process to renew Pakistani passport in Saudi Arabia. Please note that this procedure is valid as of now (December 2018) and for any changes to the process in future, we will try to update this blog accordingly.
When to renew a Passport?
You should never wait for the expiry of your passport to renew it with a lot of hassle in a panic situation. One should always keep the expiry date of his passport and passports of dependents and should proceed with renewal of Passport once validity of the passport remains six months. Applying for passport renewal when validity is still six months, you can opt for ordinary renewal with less fees compared to an urgent request with additional charges. Renewing your passport well before expiry also helps you to avoid any hectic situations of travel restrictions just in case of any emergency.
Note that you can also opt to Renew Pakistan Passport Online.
Documents Required for Renewal of Pakistani Passport:
1. Original Passport
2. NICOP
3. One Photocopy of Passport front page, NICOP and Iqama.
Steps to Renew Pakistani Passport in Saudi Arabia
Below are the steps to be followed to get your passport renewed in Embassy or Consulate in Saudi Arabia.
Step 1: Pay Renewal Fees for Passport
Once you have all the required documents with you (given above), visit embassy or consulate near you along with these documents. The staff at the entrance will ask you for the purpose of visit and he will see and verify if you have all required documents with you. In case of anythng missing, they will guide you accordingly.
Below is the fees structure for renewing passport as of now:
Once your documents are checked, go to the first counter where staff will ask you details about your passport renewal requirements. E.g. you want 5 years validity or 10 years validity for your new passport, you want 36 pages or 72 pages passport and also whether you need urgent processing or ordinary/normal processing. He will inform you about the total fees to be paid according to your preferences. Once you have paid the required fees, staff will staple payment slip with your documents and will ask you to proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Pictures and Token
After payment of fees in Step 1, you will be asked to go to the waiting hall where you will be waiting for your turn. Once your turn arrives (as per number specified in the payment slip), you will go to the staff who will first check your documents and generate a token for you. This token contains a computer generated number which will serve as a reference for your application and you can use it to track your request. The same token will be required to be furnished to collect your passport later.
The staff will capture your photograph as well in this step.
Step 3: Fingerprints for Passport renewal
In this step, your name will be called in another counter upon your turn and staff will get your fingerprints after seeing your token which was provided to you in second step.
Step 4: Data Entry
In this step, your name will be called in another counter where staff will do the necessary data entry. At this step, you may ask for any updates if required in your data. Once data has been updated, staff will print the form and hand it over to you for submitting it in the next step.
Step 5: Submission of the Documents
You will proceed to another counter/room where staff will collect all the documents from you. After collection of the documents, you will be left with your Token only.
Step 6: Visit Home Delivery Counter (Optional)
Using the services of Aramex and UPS delivery companies, consulate general of Pakistan has started the service of delivering the passport at your doorstep. At this counter, by paying the delivery fees, you can opt for this service. Staff at the counter will get your address, your contact number and will provide you a slip with your token number and their service details.
Refer to another post explaining Pakistani Passport Home Delivery in Saudi Arabia.