Passport Permission Form Template for Saudi Arabia

The Passport Permission Form is a legally mandated document in Saudi Arabia that protects expatriate workers' rights while allowing legitimate business processes that require temporary passport custody. Under Saudi Labor Law Royal Decree M/51 and the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) 2021, you cannot have your passport retained by your employer without explicit written consent through this formal documentation.

When do you need this document?

You need this form whenever your employer requires temporary access to your passport for official procedures. Common situations include visa renewal processes, residence permit (Iqama) applications, government document submissions, or when traveling for company business. The form is also required when processing work permit renewals or when your employer needs to submit documentation to Saudi authorities on your behalf. Without this properly executed form, any passport retention by your employer would violate Saudi labor regulations and could result in legal penalties for the company.

Key legal considerations

The form must clearly specify the exact purpose and duration of passport custody, with explicit start and end dates. You retain the right to request immediate return of your passport at any time, and this right must be acknowledged in the document. The employer cannot use your passport for purposes beyond those specified in the form, and any extension requires a new agreement. The document should include witness signatures and must be provided in both Arabic and English if you don't speak Arabic. Your employer must also provide you with a copy of the completed form and maintain records of all passport custody arrangements for labor ministry inspections.

Legal requirements in Saudi Arabia

Under Saudi Labor Law Article 77 and Ministerial Resolution No. 2605 of 1441, the form must comply with specific formatting and content requirements. Both parties must provide complete identification details, including Iqama numbers for employees and Commercial Registration numbers for employers. The document must be signed by an authorized company representative, not just any employee, and may require notarization depending on the purpose. The form must clearly state that the arrangement is voluntary and that the employee has been informed of their rights under Saudi labor law. Additionally, the document must be stored securely and made available for inspection by labor ministry officials upon request, as part of Saudi Arabia's commitment to preventing human trafficking and protecting workers' rights.