Getting Ready To Depart: Final Exit Visa Strategies For Expired Iqama In Saudi Arabia

Getting Ready To Depart. For expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, the end of your journey in the Kingdom involves more than just booking a flight. One of the most critical steps is obtaining a final exit visa, especially if your Iqama (residency permit) has expired. Whether you’re planning to leave due to contract completion, personal decisions, or any other reason, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the final exit visa for expired Iqama in Saudi Arabia.

Read Also: Check Available Funds On Iqama With Absher

The final exit visa is an official document issued by the Saudi government that allows expatriates to leave the Kingdom permanently. Without this visa, leaving the country legally is not possible, even if your Iqama has expired. Saudi Arabia takes immigration laws seriously, and any oversight can lead to complications including fines, bans, or detention.

Yes, obtaining a final exit visa even if your Iqama has expired is entirely possible. However, the process varies depending on how long your Iqama has been expired and whether your sponsor (Kafeel) is involved.

If your Iqama expired within the last 30 days, the process is relatively straightforward when your Kafeel (sponsor) is cooperative. Step-by-Step Guide:

• Step 1: Sponsor Login: The Kafeel must log into their account on the Ministry of Labor (MoL) portal.
• Step 2: Work Permit Issuance: Choose “issue work permit for final exit,” select the employee, and opt for “release.”
• Step 3: Pay Fees: Settle the Maktab Amal (Labor Office) fee online.
• Step 4: Permit Duration: A 180-day work permit is issued specifically for final exit.
• Step 5: Final Exit Visa: Use the Muqeem portal to officially issue the visa.

If your Iqama has been expired for over 30 days, and your sponsor is uncooperative, you can still proceed using the Ministry of Labor’s intervention.

Procedure Without Sponsor Involvement

• Step 1: Transfer Sponsorship: File for sponsorship transfer without Kafeel’s consent via the MoL portal.
• Step 2: Auto-Approval: In many cases, the transfer is automatically accepted.
• Step 3: Pay Transfer Fee: Make the necessary payment for the transfer.
• Step 4: New Sponsor Process: Your new sponsor initiates the final exit visa steps.
• Step 5: Visa Issuance: Final exit is processed through the Muqeem or Absher system.

If you’re new to Saudi Arabia, you can work up to 90 days without an Iqama under a valid work visa. During this period:

• Employers can issue a final exit visa via Absher, even if you haven’t been issued an Iqama yet.
• This must be done within the first 3 months of arrival.

Applying For Final Exit Visa Through Absher (With Guide)

You can initiate the final exit visa yourself using the Absher platform, if the employer has allowed you to do so. Here’s how:

Absher Final Exit Visa Application Process

• Step 1: Log in to your Absher account.
• Step 2: Navigate to My Services > Services.

• Step 3: Select Passports.

• Step 4: Click on Visa requests.

• Step 5: Proceed to the next page.
• Step 6: Choose create requests for visa.

• Step 7: Select Definitive Exit Visa.
• Step 8: Accept the terms and conditions.

• Step 9: Confirm and submit your request.

• For Android: Download from Google Play Store
• For iPhone: Download from the App Store

If your Iqama (residency permit) has expired and you want to obtain a final exit visa in Saudi Arabia, it’s essential to understand the latest rules set by the Saudi Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports). As per the new regulation, the Iqama must be valid for at least 30 days in order to issue a final exit visa.

Important: New Rule for Final Exit Visa (2025)

• Your Iqama must have a minimum of 30 days validity at the time of applying for the final exit visa.
• If your Iqama is already expired, you must first renew it before initiating the final exit process.
• Failure to comply with this rule may result in visa issuance rejection or penalties.

Step-by-Step Procedure To Get Final Exit Visa if Iqama is Expired

1: Renew Your Iqama

• Visit your sponsor/employer and request Iqama renewal.
• Pay the Iqama renewal fee and ensure it’s extended for at least 30 days.
• Only after renewal can you proceed with the final exit request.

2: Clear All Dues

• Settle traffic violations, bank loans, credit card bills, or any other dues under your name.

3: Request Final Exit via Absher or Muqeem

• Your sponsor or HR department must log in to the Absher Business or Muqeem portal.
• Go to “Exit Services” and select “Issue Final Exit Visa”.
• Ensure your passport is valid and uploaded in the system.

4: Final Exit Visa Issuance

• Once the request is approved, the final exit visa will be issued.
• You must leave the Kingdom within 60 days from the date of final exit visa issuance.

The validity of an iqama generally lasts for one year, after which it must be renewed. Iqama renewal is the responsibility of employers, but workers should stay informed to avoid fines and complications.

• Iqama Expiry Penalties: In the case of non-renewal of Iqama before its expiration date, a SAR 500 fine is imposed on the first offense, and a SAR 1000 fine on the second offense. Non-renewal may result in deportation.

When using Absher for a final exit visa, the following rules apply:

• Workers must issue the visa within 5 days after the employer’s approval.
• Employers must respond (approve/reject) within 10 days.
• If no response, the Ministry of Labor will intervene and decide within 10 days.
• If the employer fails to act, the system will automatically approve the visa request.

In rare and more complicated cases, you can obtain a final exit visa without a sponsor by filing a labor case:

• Visit Saudi Labor Court and submit a complaint.
• Once the ruling is in your favor, the system allows you to exit without the Kafeel’s involvement.
• Contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) at 19911 for support in English, Arabic, Urdu, and other languages.

To process your final exit visa, you’ll typically need the following:

• Passport (original)
• Iqama (even if expired)
• Sponsor’s approval (if applicable)
• Copy of Visa Page (if final exit was processed previously)
• Payment receipt (for Maktab Amal or transfer)

If you encounter any issues:

• Contact the Ministry of Labor at 19911
• Visit the Jawazat (Passport Office) in your region
• Reach out via Absher support or through the official Muqeem portal

Purpose:

• Final Exit Visa: Permanent departure.
• Exit/Re-Entry Visa: Temporary exits and reentries within the duration of the visa.

Duration:

• Final Exit Visa: Expats must leave within 60 days of obtaining the visa.
• Vacation Exit Visa: Allows return within 1 to 6 months of leaving.

Return:

• Without a new visa, an expatriate cannot return after a Final Exit Visa.
• Vacation Exit Visas permit re-entry within specific time limits.

Securing a final exit visa with an expired Iqama in Saudi Arabia may sound intimidating, but it is a process that can be handled efficiently if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re doing it with or without your Kafeel, online via Absher, or by legal intervention, this guide ensures you’re informed and empowered.

Always act swiftly, maintain proper documentation, and seek help when needed to avoid unnecessary delays or legal complications.