The Passport Department denied Sunday erroneous reports carried by certain websites and social media platforms that visit visas could simply be converted into permanent residency.

“Some expats have visited the Passport Department offices to get visit visas converted to residency,” said Col. Mohammed Al-Hussain, spokesman of the department in the Makkah region. “This is not possible.”

He urged them to follow either the department’s website or the Saudi Press Agency to get accurate information.

“All procedures related to visit visas and other services are very clear and their rules and regulations have been declared,” he said.