RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has clarified the current status of exit and re-entry visas, confirming that the service remains operational but is now governed by stricter new regulations. The changes aim to streamline the process and ensure compliance with residency requirements, according to a recent announcement.
The Directorate stated that fulfilling a set of fundamental regulatory conditions is now essential for approval of any application. Deficiencies in requirements or outstanding violations will lead directly to rejection, signaling a more rigorous vetting process for foreign residents seeking to travel outside the Kingdom.
New, Stricter Conditions
The new regulations encompass several critical requirements:
- Passport Validity: A minimum of 90 days remaining from the date of issuance.
- Residency Permit Validity: The Iqama must be valid for at least 90 days.
- Outstanding Violations: All traffic violations must be settled.
- Visa Fees: Payment of fees ranging from 60 to 200 Saudi Riyals, depending on the type of visa.
- Biometric Registration: Mandatory for individuals over the age of 15.
Electronic Issuance Process
Visas are issued through the Absher platform, following a specific process. Applicants must log in to the platform and select the “Exit and Re-entry Visa” service from the Passports section. The process requires precise data entry, including the visa type and duration, before submitting the application for final review.
Common Reasons for Rejection
The Directorate has identified several situations that will prevent visa issuance. These include expired documents, outstanding traffic violations and unpaid fees. Incorrect data entry and existing regulatory restrictions on the resident’s record will also result in immediate rejection.
Important Recommendations for Residents
The Directorate advises residents to print a copy of the visa or retain it electronically, and to carefully monitor the expiration date to avoid overstaying. Returning to the Kingdom before the visa expires is strongly emphasized to avoid fines and legal issues.
The tightening of regulations comes as many expatriates plan travel during the summer months, prompting increased inquiries about visa rules. The General Directorate of Passports’ statement, reported by Gulf News, responds to a public inquiry regarding the possibility of reclaiming visa fees if an exit and re-entry permit is cancelled. The Directorate confirmed that fees are non-refundable even if the visa is cancelled. , the Passport Department issued this clarification.
According to Absher, individuals applying for an exit/re-entry or final exit visa must be present within the Kingdom at the time of application. The platform also specifies that if a visa is issued with a “Return Before” date, that date represents the absolute last day an individual can return to Saudi Arabia.
The new rules for final exit define the procedure as allowing an expatriate or foreign worker to leave the Kingdom permanently, officially ending their residency status. Residents must depart within the specified period, or face legal penalties, including fines. The validity period of the final exit visa, required procedures, and obligations for both residents and sponsors are all outlined in the updated regulations.
The changes reflect a broader trend towards increased regulatory oversight of foreign workers and residents in Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom continues to implement its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. While the new rules aim to ensure a smooth and legally compliant departure process, they also place a greater onus on residents to understand and adhere to the evolving regulations.
The non-refundable nature of exit and re-entry visa fees, as confirmed by the General Directorate of Passports, underscores the importance of careful planning and verification of travel arrangements before submitting an application. The current fee for a single exit and re-entry visa is 200 Saudi Riyals, valid for up to two months, with an additional 100 Riyals for each extra month within the validity of the resident’s permit. A multiple-entry visa extension costs 400 Riyals.
These developments come amid ongoing discussions about the rights and obligations of expatriate workers in the Gulf region. The Saudi government has been implementing a series of labor reforms in recent years, aimed at improving working conditions and protecting the rights of both employers and employees. However, the stricter visa regulations also highlight the challenges faced by foreign residents navigating a complex legal and administrative system.
