Saudi Arabia Lifts 3-Year Entry Ban on Expats Who Overstay Visa Expiry
Saudi Arabia has revoked the three-year re-entry ban for expatriates who did not return before their exit and re-entry visas expired.
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has issued an order to all border authorities, effective January 16, to permit these workers back into the country.
This move comes despite previous restrictions imposed due to business owners' concerns that late returns of workers caused financial strain through renewal fees for residency and work permits, as well as the costs of unused return tickets. Non-timely returns also led to contract terminations and disruptions in the labor market.
Jawazat has reiterated that certain criteria must be met for issuing an exit and re-entry visa, which includes settling any traffic fines, having no active visas, ensuring the worker's passport is valid for at least 90 days, and recording the individual's fingerprint within Saudi Arabia.
This move comes despite previous restrictions imposed due to business owners' concerns that late returns of workers caused financial strain through renewal fees for residency and work permits, as well as the costs of unused return tickets. Non-timely returns also led to contract terminations and disruptions in the labor market.
Jawazat has reiterated that certain criteria must be met for issuing an exit and re-entry visa, which includes settling any traffic fines, having no active visas, ensuring the worker's passport is valid for at least 90 days, and recording the individual's fingerprint within Saudi Arabia.
