Saudi Arabia sets 30-day minimum validity on residency permit for issuing final exit visas

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has clarified that a minimum validity of 30 days on a foreign worker’s residency permit (Iqama) is required to issue a final exit visa.

Employers and heads of families must renew the Iqama if its validity is less than 30 days before applying for the final exit visa, the directorate said.

Jawazat explained that if the Iqama’s validity is between 30 and 60 days, a final exit visa can still be issued, but its duration will match the remaining validity period of the Iqama.

For Iqamas valid for 60 days or more, a final exit visa with a duration of 60 days will be granted.

The directorate emphasised that employers and heads of families can issue final exit visas for their workers and dependent family members via the Ministry of Interior’s online platforms, including “Absher,” “Absher Business,” and the “Muqeem” portal. The electronic service is free of charge and does not require payment of any fees.