RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) will introduce a new digital “Self-Deportation Platform” for illegal residents. Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba, Acting Director General, announced the initiative at the Digital Government Forum 2025. The platform will allow residents violating residency, labor, or border rules to complete deportation procedures online. Officials said the system will replace traditional manual methods once all technical and security preparations are complete.
In addition, Jawazat will soon launch a ‘Smart Track’ system for travelers. The system uses smart cameras to verify identities automatically. It can process up to 35 passengers at once without manual passport control. Authorities said the technology will reduce waiting times and streamline border crossing procedures. The system will improve efficiency at airports, land crossings, and other points of entry.
Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba also revealed plans to implement “Digital Twins” technology at terminals. This system tracks passenger movement, calculates waiting times, and measures service satisfaction. Officials successfully tested it during the Hajj season of 1445 AH (2024). The technology will allow authorities to better manage crowds and optimize staffing. It supports Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation goals for public services.
The digital passport is already available on the Absher platform to support international travel. Saudi Arabia is negotiating with other countries to expand recognition of the digital passport. Departure procedures will soon be fully automated using smart boarding, digital verification, and integrated security systems. Authorities also plan to create a unified passenger data gateway with other countries to enhance border security cooperation.
Jawazat currently offers over 100 digital services via Absher, serving more than 24 million users in 2024. The new “Smart Voice Agent” provides 24/7 automated assistance without human intervention. Citizens and residents can access the service by calling 992. Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba emphasized that Saudi Arabia aims to transform its ports of entry into AI-powered smart gateways. These systems will speed passenger processing and improve travel experiences across the Kingdom.
