KATHMANDU: Saudi Arabia is set to extend the residence permit (Iqama) of foreign workers detained abroad due to the Corona epidemic.

According to Arab News, Saudi Arabia has started automatically extending the validity of residence permits – known as Iqama – of migrant workers who are outside the Kingdom and unable to return due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, without charge.

It stated that the General Directorate of Passports of Saudi Arabia is also extending the validity of visit visas, as well as exit and re-entry visas without fees or charges for all expatriates until August 31.

This will also benefit Nepali workers who have not been able to return to Saudi Arabia on holiday and those who have not been able to return home from Saudi Arabia as their visas and contracts have expired.

There are more than two dozen Nepalis stranded in Saudi Arabia.