Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofPassports
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Time of India
Major changes in Saudi Arabia: Everything you need to know about overstay rules and Absher platform
Saudi Arabia is using advanced AI and its Absher platform to track visit visa overstays, holding both expats and employers accountable with heavy fines/Representative Image 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible MBA by SRM—Apply Now! SRM Online Apply Now Undo 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.
Saudi Gazette
03-07-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Passports Directorate takes 8,155 punitive measures against violators
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports has issued 8,155 administrative decisions against violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations during the last Hijri month of Dhul Hijjah. Administrative committees under passport departments in various regions of the Kingdom took the decisions to penalize the violators, including Saudi citizens and expatriates, and the penalties include imprisonment, fines, and deportation. The Passports Directorate urged all citizens and residents, including business owners, not to transport, employ, or shelter violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations, or provide them with any means of assistance in finding employment, housing, or transportation. It called on the public to extend cooperation through passing information about the violators by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom. All reports will be treated with complete confidentiality, the directorate said.
Leaders
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Leaders
Interior Ministry Unveils Special Stamp for 2025 Esports World Cup
The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Passports, has introduced a commemorative stamp to mark the 2025 Esports World Cup, in partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation. This exclusive stamp will be issued to travelers arriving at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh during the tournament which will be held at Boulevard City from July 7 to August 24, 2025. Related Topics: In Photos: Saudi Crown Prince Awards the Esports World Cup Champions NCA Launches Interactive Cybersecurity Awareness Exhibition for Hajj Pilgrims Saudi Arabia Named 'Country of the Year' After Record-Breaking Leap in StartupBlink Index Haramain Railway Boosts Hajj 2025 Capacity by 25% Operation Gideon Chariots: Israel Intensifies War amid Dire Conditions in Gaza Short link :
Arab Times
28-06-2025
- Arab Times
Expired Visit Visa Holders Can Now Apply for Extension to Leave Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, June 28: The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced the launch of a new initiative allowing the extension of all expired visit visas—regardless of type or category—exclusively to facilitate the final departure from Saudi Arabia. The grace period commenced on 1 Muharram 1447 AH, corresponding to June 26, 2025. Visa holders will be granted 30 days to regularize their status by settling all applicable fees and penalties, enabling them to exit the Kingdom without legal repercussions. This service is available through the 'Tawasul' platform on the Ministry of Interior's 'Absher' electronic system. Jawazat urges all eligible individuals to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity before the deadline expires.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia launches 30-day grace period for expired visit visas ahead of Hijri New Year
Saudi Arabia's Jawazat introduces a 30-day grace period for expired visit visas. This initiative starts from June 26-27, 2025. Visitors can extend their stay and exit legally without penalties. They must pay fees via the Absher platform. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reminds pilgrims to exit on time. This move ensures compliance with immigration rules and eases departure. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Also Read: Saudi Arabia braces for hotter summer and increased rainfall in July and August Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Legal safety: The 30-day window prevents visa overstay penalties and potential future travel restrictions. Streamlined exits: Online processing through Absher simplifies the extension process. Cultural respect: Saudi authorities frame this initiative as a gesture of consideration linked to the sacred Hijri New Year. Log in to Absher and access the Tawasul service. Submit a request for exit visa extension. Pay any associated fines and fees. Plan departure within the 30-day grace period. To mark the beginning of the Hijri New Year Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has introduced a 30-day grace period for holders of expired visit visas . The measure gives visitors an extended timeframe to legally stay and exit the Kingdom without facing initiative, effective from June 26–27, 2025 (1 Muharram 1447 AH), applies irrespective of visa type or designation: visit visas, including tourist, family, and business whose visas have expired will be allowed to apply for an exit visa during the grace period. They must regularize their status by paying any required fees and fines via the Tawasul service on the Ministry of Interior's Absher have urged eligible individuals to use this one-time extension before the deadline, underlining the move's goal to ease the departure process and ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia 's immigration tandem with this announcement, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently reminded pilgrims to exit before their visas expired—emphasizing the importance of respecting the Kingdom's legal and spiritual one-week-old initiative offers a practical solution for those unintentionally overstaying in Saudi Arabia, blending administrative efficiency with cultural sensitivity.
