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The Saudi authorities have announced a series of significant changes to the family visit visa process, aiming to simplify procedures for foreign residents, including Tunisians, and accelerate the processing of applications. These measures are part of a broader strategy to digitize administrative services, allowing residents to submit and track their applications online, without having to visit government offices. The main new features are:
- The residence card must be valid for the entire duration of the visit
- Information must be entered accurately on the official electronic platform
- Visitors' passports must be valid to ensure entry and exit from the kingdom
- Visa fees can now be paid online, in a flexible and transparent manner These procedures apply to close relatives: spouses, children, and parents, and all applications must be submitted through the official electronic visa platform. Residents can track the progress of their application in real-time, whether the application is approved, pending, or requires additional documents. According to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these measures aim to facilitate family reunions, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the efficiency of services, while supporting family cohesion. They are also part of the Vision Saudi Arabia 2030, which focuses on digital transformation and modernization of public services.