Saudi Arabia has issued a royal decree permitting its citizens with foreign spouses to travel amidst the international travel ban imposed in the wake of the Covid, the General Directorate of Passports announced on Wednesday.
The newly announced rule allows its citizens to travel with their spouse or join them abroad in case they reside outside the Kingdom due to work or otherwise.
The decree has stated that the Saudi travelers must present a copy of their marriage certificate to officials at departure points.
Saudi nationals who are married to non-Saudis can travel through border points after submitting proof of marriage to the respective officials. In case of inability to present documents proving their spouse is outside the country and unable to return to the country, the Saudi citizen can apply for a travel permit through the Absher portal.
This comes in implementation of the government's directives on procedures for Saudis traveling to and from the Kingdom during the suspension of international flight due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The temporary travel suspension of expatriates from 20 countries, imposed on February 2, still stands in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported five COVID-19-related deaths on Wednesday. The death toll now stands at 6,475.
The Ministry of Health reported 353 new cases, meaning that 376,021 people have now contracted the disease. A total of 2,531 cases remain active; 483 are in a critical condition.