Government | Tuesday 3 November, 2015 4:25 am |

The Passports Department is launching its multiple-visa and sponsorship transfer service through the Abshir system on the website of the Ministry of Interior this week. 

Abshir allows for the issue and renewal of visas, exit and entry visas, and final exit visas, a local publication reported on Monday.
Khaled bin Hamad Al-Seikhan, director general of passports for technical affairs, said that the aim is to ensure streamlined and simpler access to services for the public, particular people with disabilities.
He said the Abshir system has already issued 60,000 residency visas and 807,000 entry and exit visas, 7,872 visa renewals, 1,362 holiday extensions and 1,202 travel permits. 
Al-Seikhan said this has cut down on red tape. The passport department is also working with Saudi Post so that beneficiaries need not visit its offices. Services are provided within three days.
He said elderly people, those with disabilities and who need special services would have to visit the offices of the department if they cannot be assisted through the Abshir system. The system is available for smartphones.