Saudi Arabia's Covid app now open to workers with expired visas

Tawakkalna app updated to include those who 'violate residency' in a bid to intensify Covid battle

A man shows his details using the Tawakkalna app on his mobile phone as he enters the Al Othaim market in Riyadh. Reuters

Saudi Arabia's coronavirus tracking app will now be available to those who overstayed their visas and breached residency rules.

The Tawakkalna app was updated on Saturday to intensify the battle against the coronavirus, which has killed more than 6,600 people in the kingdom.

The app will “include all citizens and residents, even those who violate residency and work regulations", the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Users will now be able to register by providing their mobile number, without giving ID details.

More than 17 million people have used the app, designed to track contacts with coronavirus cases and give movement permits, since it was introduced in May last year, Spa reported.

Users can declare symptoms and call an ambulance through the app, which now also shows their vaccination status.

Some hotels, malls and restaurants have made use of the app mandatory for entry.

A surge in downloads in February led to technical problems, making it inaccessible in some public places.

The updates come as the kingdom prepares for Ramadan.

Coronavirus cases are on the rise again after dipping to a low of fewer than 100 a day in January.

On Saturday the country registered 382 new infections.