Major changes in Saudi Arabia: Everything you need to know about overstay rules and Absher platform
TL;DR:
Saudi Arabia
introduced a 30-day grace period effective June 26 for expired visit visas this is a major shift from older 90‑day fines.
Failure to leave within this window still triggers severe consequences: fines up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, deportation, and multi-year bans.
At the same time, skill-based employment visas are being introduced marking a move away from Kafala sponsorship dependency. Travellers and
expats
must stay informed via official platforms like Absher and Jawazat to stay compliant.
A Graceful Shift: 30-Day Exit Window Introduced
In late June 2025, Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) unveiled a groundbreaking policy, visit visa holders whose visas expire can now request a 30-day exit permit via the Absher platform and its Tawasul service.
After paying any outstanding fines, this grant allows legal departure without punishment.
Previously, overstayers faced immediate fines or arrest. This policy signals a new approach: balancing enforcement with flexibility for those delayed by travel issues, health concerns, or emergencies .
What Still Can Go Wrong? Harsh Penalties for Overstay
Exiting under the grace period is crucial. Overstaying beyond 30 days results in harsh penalties:
Fines: Up to SAR 50,000 (~USD 13,000)
Possible jail time: Up to 6 months
Deportation and entry bans
Sponsor/agency penalties: SAR 100,000 for those who fail to report overstayers
Although intended for Hajj and Umrah peak periods, these rules now apply to
any
visit visa holder, year-round.
Who Can and Cannot Use the 30-Day Exit Period
Eligible individuals include holders of expired tourist, business, or family visit visas and Umrah visas—applicable once per person.
Note the exceptions:
No re-entry
allowed during this period.
The grace does not permit conversion or renewal within Saudi Arabia, only lawful exit is possible.
The System behind the Change: Absher Platform
The grace policy is part of an ongoing effort to digitize Saudi's immigration infrastructure:
Integrated into the Absher platform
Timely notifications via SMS/emails
Option to pay all fines online
Efficiency across consulates and embassies via digital records
Security Meets Modernization
Saudi Arabia's shift reflects a larger move under Vision 2030, using technology to streamline operations, reduce paperwork, and clamp down on irregular visa cases. Modernisation goals include:
Improved border security by tracking who comes and goes, always up-to-date.
Labor market regulation preventing illegal hiring and 'runaways.'
Elimination of manual visa border abuses from forged documents to expired-visits.
For expats and sponsors, this means compliance is real-time and transparent.
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Now excuses like 'I did not know' won't hold water once Absher sends the alert.
Overstaying Amid Broader Visa Reforms
The exit window policy is not an isolated change. Saudi recently introduced skill-based visas, which:
End employer-dependent Kafala sponsorship
Prioritise qualifications and performance
Allow expats freedom to change jobs and retain residency under new regulations
Together, these reforms present a Saudi Arabia in transition, moving from rigid control toward flexible, skill-based mobility.
How to Use the Exit Extension Properly
Watch your visa expiry date closely.
Access Absher → Tawasul service → Apply for extension within 30 days.
Pay your exit fine and any administrative dues.
Receive exit approval digitally.
Exit the country before the 30-day window closes.
Failure to comply will restore older penalties; fines, bans, and possible jail time.
What These Reforms Mean for You
Polite enforcement phase
: Saudi is easing the path for honest travellers while still penalizing deliberate overstays.
Global reputation boost
: Streamlining visa processes and improving digital services reflects positively on Saudi Arabia's modernisation efforts.
Increased attractiveness for tourists and businesses
: Simpler stays and more flexibility can support Saudi's tourism growth.
Saudi Arabia's new 30-day exit grace period, integrated with digital systems, marks a fresh and fairer approach to immigration.
Pairing this with skill-based visa reforms signals readiness to shift from arbitrary control to a more transparent, performance-driven, and global profile. Still, this grace is not a loophole, time matters, and overstays bring serious consequences. As Saudi modernizes, staying informed and compliant will be vital for every visitor.
Saudi Arabia is making visa compliance automatic and shared not only for visitors but also for those who manage their immigration status.
By combining in Absher with stiff penalties, the government is sending a message. Sponsors and expats now share responsibility, and mistakes can be costly.
FAQs
Q: Can I stay beyond 90 days without a problem?
Only if your visit visa was still valid. Overstaying beyond expiry even within 90 days of entry relies on the 30-day exit application.
Q: What happens if I don't exit within 30 days?
You may face fines up to SAR 50,000, jail up to six months, deportation, and likely a multi-year re-entry ban.
Q: How many times can I use the exit extension?
Only once per applicant, tied to their expired visa.
Q: Can I re-enter Saudi with a new visa during the 30-day period?
No. This window is strictly for exit only.
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