The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in Saudi Arabia has provided new updates regarding the conditions for issuing final exit visas to expatriates. These updates clarify the role of the residency permit, or Iqama, in the visa application process.
According to the guidelines, the Iqama must meet certain validity requirements to ensure the final exit visa can be issued.
Iqama Validity and Final Exit Visa Procedures
Iqama Validity of 30 Days or More: If the Iqama is valid for at least 30 days, the final exit visa will be issued for the remaining duration of the Iqama.
Iqama Validity Between 30 and 60 Days: If the Iqama is valid between 30 and 60 days, the final exit visa will match the remaining validity of the Iqama.
Iqama Validity of 60 Days or More: For Iqamas valid for 60 days or more, the final exit visa will be issued for a duration of 60 days.
Action Required for Expired Iqamas
If the Iqama has less than 30 days of validity remaining, the employer or head of the family must renew it before applying for the final exit visa.
Jawazat encourages employers and expatriates to ensure Iqamas are renewed on time to avoid delays in the visa application process. This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to streamline administrative processes and enhance the convenience for expatriates.
Ensuring Smooth Departures
The 30-day minimum validity requirement ensures that expatriates’ residency status is clear at the time of departure, preventing complications during the exit process. The update reflects the Saudi government’s commitment to maintaining an orderly and efficient system for expatriate departures.
Related topics:
- How Much Income Is Needed to Sponsor a Green Card?
- How Much Does Green Card Replacement Cost?
- How Much Does a Green Card Sponsorship Cost a Company?
