Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) will soon launch the “Self-Deportation Platform,” a new digital service to streamline the deportation process for illegal residents. The announcement came from Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba, Acting Director General of Passports, during the Digital Government Forum 2025 in Riyadh.
The new platform will allow individuals residing illegally in the Kingdom to complete their travel procedures online. Once all security and technical preparations are complete, users can access the platform and finalize their departure digitally. This marks a shift away from traditional, manual deportation methods.
Smart Track and Digital Twins Technology
Jawazat will also introduce a “Smart Track” system for travelers. This technology uses smart cameras to verify identities and can process up to 35 passengers at once, automating border-crossing procedures and reducing the need for direct interaction with officers.
Additionally, the agency will implement “Digital Twins” technology. This system uses data analytics to track crowd movement, calculate waiting times, and monitor passenger satisfaction at terminals. The technology was successfully tested during the 2024 Hajj season.
Digital Passport Expansion
Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba highlighted that the digital passport is already available on the Absher platform for international travel. Saudi Arabia is negotiating with other countries to expand the digital passport’s recognition and use abroad.
Fully Automated Departure Procedures
Departure procedures will soon be fully automated. Smart boarding, digital verification, and integrated security systems will eliminate the need for manual passport control at departure lounges.
Unified Gateway for Passenger Data
Saudi Arabia plans to establish a unified data gateway with other countries. This will enable the exchange of passenger information, streamline transit procedures, and enhance border security cooperation.
Over 100 Digital Services via Absher
Jawazat now offers more than 100 digital services through the Absher platform, serving over 24 million users in 2024. The agency has also launched the “Smart Voice Agent,” a 24/7 automated service accessible by calling 992.
Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to digital transformation. He said the goal is to turn Saudi border points into AI-powered smart gateways, accelerating passenger processing and improving travel experiences.
