The Ministry of Environment reopens the door for deporting non-Saudi livestock through Nama
In a significant regulatory move, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced the reopening of the "return" process for camels and grazing livestock owned by non-Saudis to their countries of origin. Applications can be submitted through the "Nama" electronic portal. This decision comes in response to requests from livestock owners and herders who were unable to leave during previous periods, giving them a new opportunity to rectify their status within the established legal framework.
Application process and health requirements
The Ministry clarified that the deportation and return process is subject to strict regulations to ensure smooth operations at border crossings. The Ministry has made the "Return Permit" service available electronically, requiring owners to fully comply with the quarantine procedures agreed upon by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, in addition to adhering to animal welfare regulations during transport. The Ministry emphasized its warnings against going directly to border crossings without a prior appointment and obtaining official approval through the platform, in order to avoid overcrowding and ensure the swift completion of procedures.
Strategic context: Protecting vegetation cover
This decision is not merely an administrative measure; it lies at the heart of the National Environmental Strategy and the objectives of the "Saudi Green Initiative" launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Through these measures, the Kingdom aims to curb overgrazing, which has for decades led to the degradation of vegetation cover and the desertification of vast areas of land. The government is working diligently to restore ecological balance by regulating grazing and limiting livestock to what is appropriate for the carrying capacity of natural rangelands, thus contributing to the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
Regulating and monitoring the livestock sector
In a related context, the Ministry continues its efforts to restructure the livestock sector in the Kingdom, having previously implemented a seven-month campaign to repatriate foreign livestock. Concurrently with the reopening of the return window, inspection teams are intensifying their field visits to seize unregistered camels and livestock, and to prevent their illegal trade or grazing. The registration process is considered a cornerstone for building an accurate national database that contributes to controlling epidemic diseases and ensuring biosecurity.
Call to register quickly
The relevant authorities concluded their statement by calling on all non-Saudi owners to quickly take advantage of this grace period and register via the dedicated link on the “Nama” portal, stressing that regulating the exit of these livestock is an absolute necessity to stop the depletion of water and plant resources, and to avoid any legal or administrative measures that may be taken against violators of environmental and agricultural regulations in the future.
