Other BriefingsSaudi Arabia Lifts 3-Year Ban on Expats Violating Re-entry Visa
Saudi Arabia has lifted the three-year ban on foreign workers who failed to return before the expiration of their exit and re-entry visas. The move aligns with the kingdom’s commitment to introducing reforms and creating a more favorable and flexible business climate.
By Giulia Interesse
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) The Passport General Directorate (Jawazat) has instructed all transportation hubs, such as land, sea, and airports, to permit the entry of expatriates who were unable to return before the expiration of their exit and re-entry visas.
Notably, the Jawazat has rescinded the previously imposed three-year ban on foreign workers who departed the kingdom on an exit and re-entry visa but failed to return before the visa’s expiration. This updated directive, effective January 16, 2024, represents a modification of the existing policy.
The directorate initially imposed the ban based on appeals from businessmen who urged measures to stop individuals from reentering if they didn’t return within the specified timeframe of their valid exit and re-entry visas.
In this article, we examine the significance of exit and re-entry visas in Saudi Arabia, detailing their unique features, along with the reasons behind the original imposition of the ban.
How did the ban come into place?
The Jawazat outlined specific procedures regarding expatriates who failed to return within the specified period of their visa. In cases where an expatriate did not return within the visa’s designated timeframe, the employer was mandated to issue a new visa for the individual.
To streamline the process, the Jawazat automated the recording of the phrase “exited and did not return” for expatriates who held an exit and re-entry visa. This automatic recording came into effect two months after the expiry date of the visa.
The duration of the entry ban was calculated from the visa’s expiry date, with the calculation based on the Hijri calendar. It’s essential to note that the decision to prohibit arrivals from entering the kingdom did not apply to dependents and their accompanying individuals.
The initiation of the ban by the Jawazat was prompted by specific demands raised by the business community, who advocated for measures to block the re-entry of individuals failing to adhere to the regulations governing the exit and re-entry visa.
These demands from businessmen align with a prior decision of the Council of Ministers, reinforcing the stance of not allowing the return of workers who have exceeded the stipulated timeframe for their return. The Council’s decision serves as a regulatory framework governing the entry of individuals to the Kingdom, emphasizing adherence to visa conditions.
Saudi business owners highlighted significant financial losses resulting from the actions of workers who fail to return within the specified timeframe. These losses include expenses for renewing residency permits (iqama), work permits, and the cost of return tickets before the scheduled departure.
Furthermore, the impact of such actions have been felt even in terms of market stability. When workers do not return on time, contracts may be terminated, leading to disruptions in the business environment. This creates a ripple effect, causing instability in the job market and potential uncertainties for both employers and employees. As such, business owners began advocating for stricter measures to protect their interests and maintain a well-organized and predictable employment landscape.
Why was the ban lifted?
Saudi Arabia’s decision to lift the three-year ban on foreign workers with expired exit and re-entry visas marks a significant step in the kingdom’s commitment to introducing successive improvements in its labor and investment environment.
The move is viewed as part of a broader strategy by Saudi authorities to enhance the overall business climate and investment landscape. By revoking the ban, the kingdom aims to create a more favorable and flexible environment for both employers and expatriate workers. Under the Saudi labor system, employers bear various fees associated with the recruitment and residency of foreign workers, as well as the costs of labor licenses, renewals, profession changes, exit and re-entry, and the return of employees to their home country at the end of their contractual relationship. The recent decision to lift the ban aligns with the kingdom’s commitment to introducing reforms and streamlining processes for foreign workers.
What is an exit and re-entry visa?
Saudi Arabia is unique in the region as it requires foreigners to pay a visa fee for each re-entry into the country. This policy, which only applies to expats, sets Saudi Arabia apart and is not commonly observed in other Middle Eastern nations.
The application process for various visas is facilitated through the Absher account, with a potential waiting period of up to ten days. Successful visa approval requires the applicant to possess a valid Iqama (National ID) and a clean record free from unpaid violations, including those related to traffic.
A single exit/re-entry visa incurs a fee of 200 SAR (approximately US$53) per person and maintains validity for two months from the date of issuing. On the other hand, a multi exit/re-entry visa carries a fee of 500 SAR per person (approximately US$133) and remains valid for three months. Choosing a multi-entry visa strategically proves to be the most cost-effective choice for those intending to travel outside of Saudi Arabia three or more times within a three-month span.
How to obtain an exit and re-entry Visa to Saudi Arabia?
The Jawazat has restated the criteria for obtaining an exit and re-entry visa, highlighting the following conditions:
- Clearing all outstanding traffic violation fines, with no unresolved violations leading to the non-cancellation of a previously issued and unused visa;
- The absence of a valid visa at the time of application; and
- Verification of the individual’s presence within the kingdom’s territory for whom the visa is intended.
When applying for a Saudi exit and re-entry visa, the conditions vary for employees and dependents. For employees seeking a self-exit/re-entry visa, it’s imperative to ensure their Iqama/National ID remains valid for at least three months, in addition to the specified visa duration. The maximum validity for this type of visa is capped at 30 days.
On the other hand, dependents must adhere to specific criteria:
- Passport validity must extend at least three months beyond the visa period;
- The Iqama should have a validity equal to or exceeding the visa duration plus an additional 90 days, especially for the ‘duration in days’ option for a single Exit/Re-Entry (ER) visa;
- The exit/re-entry visa can be issued up to seven days before the Iqama expiry date;
- Newborn dependents without Iqama in Saudi Arabia are ineligible for the exit/re-entry visa; and
- The application is contingent upon having no outstanding or unpaid violations.
These stipulations, whether for employees or dependents, ensure a streamlined process, emphasizing the importance of valid documentation and adherence to specific timelines for a successful exit/re-entry visa application.
Key takeaways
Saudi Arabia, with a significant foreign population of around 13.4 million, or 41.5 percent of its total population, continues to implement measures to enhance the expatriate experience. Recent initiatives, such as the electronic extension of exit and re-entry visas and major labor reforms introduced in 2020, demonstrate the kingdom’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and efficient work environment for expatriates.
In line with this approach, the newly lifted ban reflects a proactive approach to adapt to evolving labor market needs and attract and retain skilled foreign talent.
