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The Saudi Interior Ministry announced procedures to regularize the status of all Yemeni nationals residing irregularly in the kingdom, acting on directives from King Salman bin Abdulaziz in response to a request from Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council. Coordination for the initiative involves the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Human Resources and Social Development along with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. A valid Yemeni passport is required for applicants, while the start date and full regulations will be detailed later through the General Directorate of Passports and associated authorities.
Rashad Al-Alimi expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting in a post on X that the directives reflected Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Yemen, easing the suffering of its people and advancing their aspirations for security, stability and peace. The Yemeni Council of Ministers released a statement carried by the Yemen News Agency that described the decision as a reflection of the kingdom’s humanitarian approach and the deep brotherly ties binding the two countries. Yemen’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Salem Saleh bin Braik, thanked the Saudi leadership for its sustained care and attention toward Yemeni nationals.
Ahmed Obaid bin Dagher, chairman of Yemen’s Shura Council, said the decision would have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of Yemenis and their families. “The leadership of the Shura Council and its members welcomed the generous directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” bin Dagher said in a statement. He added that the council expressed deep thanks and appreciation to the kingdom and its leadership for this fraternal and humanitarian gesture demonstrating continued commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by the Yemeni people.
The National reported that an estimated 1.9 million Yemenis reside in Saudi Arabia, a community that accounts for approximately 62 percent of remittances sent to Yemen. The figure underscores the economic importance of the expatriate population amid Yemen’s protracted conflict that has displaced millions and strained resources since 2014. Saudi Arabia has maintained extensive support for Yemen through aid, reconstruction programs and development initiatives coordinated by specialized authorities.
The Interior Ministry framed the measure as an extension of the kingdom’s ongoing fraternal stance toward the Yemeni people and its efforts to address humanitarian needs in the region. Implementation will allow those who entered or remained through irregular channels to secure legal status once procedures commence. Regional outlets including Arab News and Al Arabiya detailed widespread expressions of gratitude among Yemeni communities in Saudi cities.
Yemeni officials across multiple institutions have aligned in their positive assessment of the royal directives, viewing them as a practical step that builds on historic relations. The process avoids broad changes to underlying eligibility rules while focusing on documentation verification through established channels. Further updates from Saudi authorities are anticipated to clarify timelines and operational steps for affected residents.
