Negligence in safekeeping passports could result in travel ban, says official

Director of Passports in Madinah Maj. Gen. Dr. Khaled Al-Hawaish stressed the importance of safekeeping passports and warned the public of the consequences of negligence in doing so.

He said severe penalties including a hefty fine and travel ban would be imposed on people who show negligence in safekeeping important travel documents. He advised citizens to consider applying for passports well in advance of their travel dates to obtain them on time.

Al-Hawaish said the region's passport office received more than 20,000 Saudi passport applications in the past two months. The passport delivery service was extended until 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday during the summer vacation in light of the increasing number of applications.

Al-Hawaish explained that passport department has recruited additional human and technical cadres to accommodate all applicants wishing to obtain passports during the summer vacation.

He noted that electronic application services are available through the Absher system and the passports will be delivered to the address of the applicant through Saudi Post's Wassel service.

He also pointed out that the family ID card is a document of proof for dependents within the Kingdom only and cannot be used for travel abroad.