New Rules In Saudi Arabia For Final Exit (What Employers Should Know)
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New Rules In Saudi Arabia For Final Exit (What Employers Should Know)
Changes to the final exit process in Saudi Arabia can complicate matters for expats or foreign workers looking to leave the country for good. For example, employers must now submit a final exit visa request through the online services available on the platform of the General Directorate of Passports. This blog will shed light on the new rules in Saudi Arabia for final exit visas, with a focus on what employers need to know.
Cercli’s global HR system offers valuable tools to help you understand and navigate the new rules in Saudi Arabia for final exit visas.
Overview of the Final Exit Visa Process
A final exit visa is an official permit issued to expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia who are leaving the country permanently. It marks the conclusion of their employment and legal residency.
This visa is required when an individual plans to depart the Kingdom without the intention of returning under the same sponsorship. Whether due to the end of a work contract, resignation, or other personal reasons, the final exit visa is a necessary step to complete the formal departure process.
When Do You Need a Final Exit Visa?
A final exit visa is mandatory for all non-Saudi residents who are terminating their stay in the Kingdom. It must be issued before the Iqama expires and before the individual leaves the country. Leaving the Kingdom without securing this visa can result in legal complications, including future re-entry restrictions.
The Role of the Employer
The final exit process is employer-led. Employers are responsible for initiating and approving the final exit visa through authorised government platforms such as Absher or Muqeem. The request is processed electronically and must be done in coordination with the employee, who must not have any outstanding fines, traffic violations, or unsettled dues.
Once the application is submitted and approved, the visa is issued digitally. The employee is then granted a defined timeframe, typically 60 days, to leave the country. During this period, the employee must finalise their affairs, including housing, banking, and other contractual obligations.
Employer Duties & Records
Employers should ensure that all end-of-service payments and legal entitlements are settled before initiating the final exit visa to avoid delays or disputes. It's also essential to retain a record of the visa issuance for compliance and reporting purposes.
The Final Exit Visa Process: A Transparent Approach
The final exit visa system is part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to ensure a transparent and regulated labour environment, supporting both employer and employee in managing departures in an orderly and lawful manner.
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Key New Rules in Saudi Arabia for Final Exit
Saudi Arabia now requires that a resident's ID (Iqama) be valid for at least 30 days before a final exit visa can be issued. If the Iqama has fewer than 30 days remaining, it must first be renewed before processing can begin. This is a key change from previous rules, where applications could be submitted right up to the expiry date.
What Happens If the Iqama Has Fewer Than 60 Days Remaining?
If an employee’s Iqama has between 30 and 59 days remaining, the final exit visa will only be valid until the Iqama expires. If the Iqama has 60 days or more left, the final exit visa will be valid for up to 60 days, no matter how much longer the Iqama itself is valid.
This rule standardises the exit period and ensures that all necessary arrangements are completed within a fixed timeframe.
How Will the New Rules Impact the Exit Visa Process?
These updated rules help ensure that exit procedures align more closely with visa and residency validity, reducing complications during departure and encouraging more proactive planning by sponsors.
Who Can Apply for the Final Exit Visa Under the New Rules?
Employers and heads of households can complete the final exit visa process electronically via Absher or the Muqeem Portal. This applies to all sponsored individuals, including employees and family members. Importantly, the service remains free of charge, simplifying the administrative burden on sponsors, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Implications for Employers
Employers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must comply with new requirements involving the final exit visa process for expatriate workers. Failing to comply with these new rules can result in severe consequences for both companies and individuals.
Legal Ramifications for Noncompliance with the Final Exit Visa Process
Failure to follow final exit procedures can lead to fines or penalties, especially if workers become undocumented.
Violations of this process include harbouring or failing to report an undocumented worker, as well as not following the rules for the final exit visa process. These violations disrupt the orderly flow of the Saudi labour market, which is why the government takes them so seriously.
Time Restrictions for the Final Exit Visa Process
The final exit visa process has strict time requirements that employers must adhere to as part of the new regulations. For instance, employers must ensure that all final exit visa applications are submitted within the required timeframe.
This means that the departing employee’s Iqama must be valid for at least 30 days at the time of application. If an Iqama is allowed to expire before a final exit visa request is made, it can cause delays and even lead to administrative penalties.
The Importance of Accurate Recordkeeping
Employers must maintain accurate internal records to ensure compliance with the new final exit visa regulations. This includes keeping track of all sponsored individuals and their residency status.
A proactive approach, including using platforms like Absher and Muqeem, helps prevent disruptions that can impact business operations and legal compliance as well as aid in the continued orderly flow of the Saudi labour market.
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Best Practices for Employers to Manage the Final Exit Visa Process
Employers in Saudi Arabia must verify the validity of their employees' passports and Iqamas to ensure a smooth final exit visa process. To avoid complications when applying for exit visas, it is advisable to create a system to track the documents of all expatriate employees.
As of now, the General Directorate of Passports requires that Iqamas have at least 30 days of validity remaining before an exit visa application can be processed. If the Iqama expires before the application is approved, the process will be delayed, and the employee will not be able to depart the Kingdom until the Iqama is renewed.
Keep Your Team Informed
There are specific rules and timelines to follow when managing final exit visas for expatriate employees. Keeping HR personnel and line managers informed of these requirements is critical to ensuring a smooth process.
For example, there are rules regarding the validity period of final exit visas and when they must be renewed. Understanding these regulations can help your organisation plan for employee departures and avoid last-minute complications.
Utilise Electronic Portals
Employers should make the most of electronic portals such as Absher and Muqeem. These services enable employers to initiate, track, and manage final exit visa applications efficiently and quickly. Since the service is free of charge and accessible online, regular use streamlines administrative processes.
Seek Help for Complex Cases
In more complex or unfamiliar cases, such as those involving dependents or unresolved disputes, it’s prudent to consult with immigration experts or legal advisors. Their insights can help ensure the company navigates sensitive cases without missteps.
Document Everything
Maintaining proper documentation of all final exit approvals, application confirmations, and related communications is essential. Clear records not only support compliance but also serve as a useful reference for future cases and internal audits.
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