Foreigners with expired Saudi Arabia visit visas have been granted a 30-day window to leave the country from the date this policy was announced, thus avoiding penalties.
Scoop: Overstaying foreigners get an extra month to legally leave Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities have just made it easier for those overdue on their exit - by offering a limited-time grace period! Starting June 26, 2025, individuals with expired visit visas can extend their stay for a month without breaking the law, all in preparation for their final departure. Here's everything you need to know about this epic offer.
Buckle up, backpackers! Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports, a.k.a Jawazat, has rolled out the red carpet for those of us who have overstayed our welcome. From June 26, 2025 (Muharram 1, 1447 AH), passport holders can take advantage of a 30-day window to get their legal ducks in a row and depart the kingdom without penalty. The initiative applies to all types of visa holders, so whether you're a tourist, worker, or student, this is your chance to do the right thing.
So, how do you take advantage of this golden opportunity? Just head to the Ministry of Interior's "Absher" electronic platform, where you'll find the "Tawasul" service. Complete the extension request process, settle all applicable fines and fees, and voila! You'll be well on your way to saying "Salaam alaikum" to the kingdom.
But, listen up! Once the grace period is over, there will be no further extensions or exemptions. The authorities have made it clear that this is a one-time offer, so don't miss your chance!
This move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader effort to streamline residency procedures and maintain a smooth flow of travelers. By offering this grace period, the kingdom aims to provide a legal exit route for overstayers without penalty or unnecessary legal complications.
In recent news, Saudi authorities intensified their crackdown on illegal residents, arresting nearly 15,000 individuals during a week-long nationwide enforcement campaign in May. With this new initiative, the country shows its commitment to a fair and efficient handling of visa-related matters.
In a nutshell, if you've been putting off that departure date due to expired paperwork, now's your chance to get it sorted out! Thanks to the gracious Saudi authorities, you can bid adieu to the kingdom without breaking the bank (or the law)!
[1] GULFNEWS - Saudi Arabia rolls out initiative for overstaying visitors to finalize departure https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-rolls-out-initiative-for-overstaying-visitors-to-finalize-departure-1.1623182804087#:~:text=Saudi%20Arabia's%20General%20Directorate%20of,to%20finalize%20their%20final%20departure.
[4] ARAB NEWS - Saudi Arabia offers visa holders final exit grace period https://www.arabnews.com/node/1957531/saudi-arabia#:~:text=The%20Saudi%20General%20Directorate%20of,the%20final%20departure%20from%20KSA.
[5] ASHARQ ALSHOURA - Saudi Arabia allows overstayers more time to leave the country https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2607401/saudi-arabia-allows-overstayers-more-time-leave-country#:~:text=The%20Saudi%20General%20Directorate%20of,legal%20final%20departure%20from%20KSA.
- The offer of a 30-day extension for overstaying visitors in Saudi Arabia is not only for tourists, but also for workers and students, as announced in the latest business news.
- In the realm of politics and general news, Saudi Arabia's initiative to streamline residency procedures applies to a wide range of visa holders, and it is a move to provide a legal exit route without penalties or complications.
- Amidst ongoing war-and-conflicts and international tensions, the news of Saudi Arabia's offer for overstayers to legally leave the country stands as a beacon of fairness and efficiency in visa-related matters.
