The Foreign Ministry is considering opening centers to issue visas in parts of the country that send many pilgrims for Haj and Umrah.  Director General of the ministry’s office, Muhammad bin Ahmed Tayeb, said the goal of the new centers would be to reduce crowding at Saudi embassies and consulates.  

Tayeb said the ministry is also considering expanding its visa service abroad, noting that it is their policy to send officials to different countries to issue visas and support staff.
He said in order to open up new visa centers overseas, the provincial authorities would need to make a formal request to the Saudi ministry through their government.