Saudi women can visit GCC states without passports

Saudi women can now travel to Gulf countries without a passport. This privilege was restricted to Saudi men until recently. Lt. Col. Badr Al-Malik, spokesperson for the passport department said, “A woman can now carry her ID card instead of the yellow card permit used previously. The finger print identity system makes it easier for a woman to enter any Gulf country.” The passport department introduced the Abshir service to improve customer online services last year. Al-Malik said Saudi women who have the yellow card permit could use them until they expire. People are advised to register for online services at the e-passport site www.epassport.gov.sa/ He said the online passport service simplifies foreign travel for anyone registered with the Abshir service and eliminates the need to visit a passport office. In other news, the Administration for Women Staff Supervision at the passport department said it plans to create a work environment where women can work separate from men. From : Arabnews