Saudi Arabia plans to issue visas online for families of expatriates in the kingdom, eliminating the need to make personal visits to the Passport Department or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a report said.

The new step, which is being taken to prevent overcrowding at visa offices, will also exempt expatriates from attaching several documents along with their visa applications, added the Arab News report, quoting an Interior Ministry source.

Digitising visit visas would enhance the ministry’s performance while saving time and effort for expatriates, the source was quoted.

Applicants must undertake to provide housing facilities for their family members, medical insurance and ensure their departure before the expiry of the visa period, the report said.

Applicants are also required to specify that the purpose of the visit is to meet the family and not perform Hajj or Umrah, according to the report.