Key Points
- Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia must now have at least 30 days of permit validity when applying for an exit visa.
- Previously, applications were allowed until the last day of the permit’s validity.
- The exit visa will match the remaining period if a permit has between 30 and 60 days of validity.
- If a permit is valid for 60 days or more, the exit visa will last for 60 days.
- Premium resident permit holders are exempt from this requirement.
Overview
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new requirement for exit visa applications. When applying, foreign residents must have at least 30 days of validity remaining on their residency permits. This change prevents last-minute exit visa requests and ensures foreign nationals do not overstay their legal work authorization.
Previously, residents could apply for an exit visa until their permit expires. If a permit has less than 30 days remaining, the applicant must renew it before applying for an exit visa.
For permits with 30 to 60 days of validity, the exit visa will be issued for the remaining permit period. If the permit is valid for 60 days or more, the exit visa will have a maximum duration of 60 days.
These new measures align with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance immigration compliance and ensure that foreign nationals leave the country before their residency permits expire. The change primarily affects expatriates and businesses managing international employees, adding an extra layer of planning for those preparing for departure.
Looking Ahead
Foreign nationals and employers in Saudi Arabia should proactively monitor residency permit expiration dates and plan for renewals well in advance to avoid travel disruptions. Companies sponsoring expatriate employees must ensure compliance with the new exit visa validity requirement to prevent administrative delays or potential penalties.
While premium resident permit holders remain exempt from this rule, other foreign residents should take note of the minimum 30-day validity requirement and adjust their exit plans accordingly. Given Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on immigration regulation enhancements, further refinements to exit visa and residency permit policies may be introduced in the future.
