Expatriates in Long Queues to Record Fingerprints
All expatriates must provide their data because it is linked to getting exit/re-entry visas.
With the mid-semester vacation approaching, there have been long queues of expatriates outside passport offices in the capital city to record their fingerprints.
All expatriates must provide their data because it is linked to getting exit/re-entry visas. There were also Saudis waiting in line to be served at the passport offices in various commercial centers.
A security officer in charge of organizing access to the service centers at Sahara Mall in the north of Riyadh, said 250 queue numbers are given out from 9 a.m. until midday.
“Another 250 numbers are distributed for the evening shift, which starts at 3 p.m., but many customers cannot get numbers because of the large crowds. They blame me for that. It is not up to me to decide on the matter,” he said.
A female resident, Maram Ahmad, said she has failed three times to record her details so that she could get an exit/re-entry visa. “My efforts were in vain because I did not arrive early enough to get a number. I now have number 120, so I am waiting for my turn to enter,” she said.
Tahani Al-Hani, a student, said she came despite the school examinations. “The school administration told me I must update my photo on my residency card so that they could allow me to sit for the exams. The first time I came I couldn’t get a number, now with number 130 I hope I can gain access,” she said.
Abdullah Al-Ahmed who came to update the data for his maid said he was forced to come to Sahara Market although he lives in south Riyadh. “There are no female service centers in the south of the city. Putting all female centers here in the north will surely cause much overcrowding,” he said.
He said the Abshir system and compulsory fingerprinting was a big technological step forward with many benefits, but there should be more centers set up.