'Wasta' to be stamped out of Saudi passport department

Currently, the Abshir online system is not working as efficiently as it should, resulting in a need for extra staff. Once the system has been updated, there is a hope for less overcrowding at the department's offices around the country.

Citizens can use the Abshir system for sponsorship transfers, exit and reentry visas, iqamas renewals and other services.

"There are new regulations which will streamline and speed up the process, and eliminate any kind of or favoritism," A department official was quoted as saying to the local media on Wednesday.