In a move aimed at improving service delivery to its citizens abroad, Uganda has opened a new passport office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The facility is expected to significantly ease the process of renewing and replacing passports for Ugandans living in the region.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the development on Monday through its spokesperson, Simon Mundeyi, who highlighted the practical benefits the new office will bring.

“This office, located in Riyadh, will be handling passport renewals and replacements for Ugandans living in Saudi Arabia,” Mundeyi said.

Until now, Ugandans in Saudi Arabia had to travel to cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi to access passport services a costly and time-consuming undertaking for many.

The Riyadh office is set to eliminate that burden.

The decision to open the office in Saudi Arabia was based on a strategic review of the Ugandan diaspora’s distribution in the Middle East.

“Initially, we had planned to open an office in Turkey, but upon reviewing the number of Ugandans in Saudi Arabia, we realised there is a much higher demand for this service,” Mundeyi added.

The office, housed within Uganda’s embassy in Riyadh, is scheduled to begin operations in July. Once operational, it will offer much-needed relief to Ugandans by providing direct access to essential passport services without the need for cross-border travel.

This marks a significant step by the Ugandan government to decentralize consular services and respond more effectively to the needs of its citizens abroad.