Key Takeaways
• Saudi Arabia offers a 30-day grace period starting June 26-27, 2025, for expired visit visa holders to exit legally.
• Applicants must pay all outstanding fines; extension only allows final exit, no visa renewal or work rights.
• Failure to leave after grace period risks heavier fines, bans, detention, or deportation starting July 26-27, 2025.
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has announced a major new policy that directly affects thousands of people currently in the Kingdom with expired visit visas. Starting June 26-27, 2025, the government is offering a 30-day grace period for these individuals to regularize their status and leave the country without facing the usual harsh penalties for overstaying. This initiative, which began with the start of the Hijri New Year (1 Muharram 1447 AH), is designed to give a final chance for compliance before stricter enforcement resumes.
This article explains who is affected, how the process works, why Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is taking this step, and what it means for visitors, families, employers, and the broader immigration system. It also provides a step-by-step guide for those who need to act, along with official resources for further help.
Who Is Affected and What Is Changing?
Anyone in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 with an expired visit visa—no matter the type or reason for their visit—is eligible for this grace period. This includes people on business, tourism, family visit, or any other kind of visit visa. The policy does not make exceptions based on nationality, age, or the original purpose of the visit.
Key facts:
– What: 30-day grace period for expired visit visa holders to exit Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 legally
– When: June 26-27, 2025, through July 26-27, 2025
– Where: Kingdom-wide, covering all regions and cities
– Why: To allow overstayed visitors to leave without facing severe penalties or future bans
– How: By applying for a final exit extension through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform, using the Tawasul service
This move is part of a broader effort by Saudi authorities to improve immigration compliance and manage the presence of foreign nationals more effectively.
How Does the Grace Period Work?
The 30-Day Window
The grace period lasts for 30 days, starting from June 26-27, 2025. During this time, anyone with an expired visit visa can apply for a special extension. This extension is only for arranging a final exit—it does not allow for continued stay, work, or renewal of the visit visa.
If you do not leave within these 30 days, you risk:
– Heavier fines for overstaying
– Possible bans on re-entering Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 in the future
– Legal action, including detention or deportation
Step-by-Step Process for Visa Holders
If you or someone you know is affected, here’s what you need to do:
- Check Your Visa Status
- Confirm that your visit visa has expired and that you are still in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
- Access the Absher Platform
- Go to the Absher platform, the official online portal for visa and residency services.
- Navigate to Tawasul Service
- Within Absher, find the “Tawasul” service. This is the section for submitting requests related to visa extensions and other immigration matters.
- Submit Your Application
- Apply for the 30-day extension, making it clear that your purpose is to arrange a final exit.
- Pay All Fees and Penalties
- You must pay any outstanding fines for overstaying, as well as any required processing fees. These payments are handled through the Absher system.
- Receive Confirmation
- Once your application is approved, you will get confirmation that you are allowed to stay legally for 30 more days to prepare for departure.
- Exit Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
- Leave the country within the grace period. Keep all documentation as proof of your legal exit.
Important: This process is only available during the 30-day grace period. After that, the usual penalties for overstaying will apply.
Why Is Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Offering This Grace Period?
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has been tightening its immigration and visa rules in recent years. The government wants to make sure that all foreign visitors and residents follow the law and leave when their visas expire. Overstaying a visa is a serious offense and can lead to fines, detention, or bans from returning.
Reasons for the new policy:
– Reduce the number of people staying illegally after their visas expire
– Give a fair chance for those who may have missed deadlines due to confusion, illness, or other reasons
– Clear the backlog of overstayed visit visas, making it easier for authorities to manage the system
– Send a strong message that future overstays will not be tolerated
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this grace period is a practical way to balance enforcement with compassion, allowing people to correct their status without fear of harsh punishment.
What Are the Fees and Penalties?
All applicants must pay any outstanding fines and fees related to their visa overstay as part of the process. The exact amount depends on how long you have overstayed and the type of visa you held. These payments are required before you can get approval for the extension.
Key points:
– No waivers: The grace period does not cancel fines; it only prevents additional penalties or bans if you leave within the 30 days.
– Payment is required: You cannot get the extension or leave legally without paying what you owe.
– Future compliance: Leaving during the grace period helps protect your ability to return to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 in the future.
For more details on fines and payment methods, visit the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) official website.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
If you do not take advantage of the grace period and remain in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 after July 26-27, 2025, you will face:
– Heavier fines for each additional day of overstay
– Possible detention or deportation
– Long-term bans on returning to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
– Legal trouble that could affect your status in other Gulf countries
Saudi authorities have made it clear that this is a final opportunity. After the grace period, enforcement will be strict, and there will be little room for exceptions.
Background: Recent Changes in Saudi Visa Policy
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has been making several changes to its visa and immigration rules over the past few years. Some of the most important recent developments include:
- Stricter exit visa rules for residents: Earlier in 2025, the government required that resident permit holders (those with iqama) must have at least 30 days left on their permit before applying for an exit visa. This was to prevent last-minute overstays and improve control over departures.
- Temporary bans and deadlines for certain nationalities: During the Hajj and Umrah seasons, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 sometimes restricts entry and exit for people from specific countries to manage crowds and security.
- Tighter enforcement: There has been a general push to make sure all foreigners in the country are there legally, with regular checks and new electronic systems for tracking visas.
The current grace period for expired visit visas builds on these efforts, aiming to close loopholes and ensure everyone follows the rules.
Who Are the Key Stakeholders?
Several groups are directly affected by this policy:
1. Expired Visit Visa Holders
- Individuals who have overstayed their visit visas now have a clear, legal way to leave without facing the worst penalties.
2. Families and Employers
- Families hosting relatives on visit visas and companies with foreign visitors must help ensure their guests comply with the new rules.
3. Immigration Authorities
- The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) and the Ministry of Interior are responsible for processing applications and enforcing the rules.
4. Travel Agencies and Legal Advisors
- These professionals play a key role in informing clients about the new policy and helping them complete the process correctly.
Official Statements and Media Coverage
Saudi officials have used state media and official websites to urge all affected individuals to act quickly. The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has issued several reminders, and the Ministry of Interior has provided detailed instructions on the Absher platform.
News outlets like Saudi Gazette and Economic Times have reported on the initiative, quoting government sources who stress that this is a one-time opportunity and that enforcement will be strict after the deadline.
Expert Perspectives: Why This Matters
Immigration experts say that this grace period is a smart move for several reasons:
- Reduces illegal residency: By giving overstayed visitors a way out, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 can reduce the number of people living in the country illegally.
- Eases enforcement: With fewer overstayers, authorities can focus on other priorities and avoid costly enforcement actions.
- Protects future travel: People who leave during the grace period are less likely to face bans or trouble if they want to return to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 later.
- Encourages compliance: The clear deadline and process make it easier for people to do the right thing.
Deloitte and Fragomen, two leading immigration law firms, have both highlighted the importance of acting quickly and following the official process. They note that the grace period is not likely to be extended, so waiting could be risky.
What Should You Do Now? Practical Guidance
If you or someone you know is in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 with an expired visit visa, take action immediately:
- Don’t wait until the last minute. The Absher platform may get busy as the deadline approaches.
- Gather all necessary documents. You will need your passport, visa details, and any paperwork showing your overstay.
- Check your fines and fees. Make sure you know how much you owe and have a way to pay.
- Follow the official process. Only use the Absher platform and Tawasul service; avoid unofficial agents or middlemen.
- Keep proof of your application and exit. This may help if you need to show you complied with the rules in the future.
Looking Ahead: What Happens After the Grace Period?
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has not said whether it will offer another grace period in the future. All signs point to stricter enforcement after July 26-27, 2025. This means:
- No more leniency for overstayers
- Higher fines and longer bans
- Possible new rules for managing visit visas and overstays
The government is expected to keep improving its electronic systems and may introduce new policies to make sure everyone follows the law.
Where to Get Official Help
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official government resources:
- Absher Platform: The main portal for all visa and residency services, including the Tawasul service for visa extensions.
- General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat): The authority responsible for visa and passport matters.
- Ministry of Interior: Oversees immigration policy and the Absher system.
If you have questions or need help, contact these agencies directly. Avoid unofficial agents who may give false information or charge extra fees.
Conclusion: Take Action Before the Deadline
Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 new grace period for expired visit visa holders is a rare chance to fix your status and leave the country legally. The process is clear, but the window is short—just 30 days from June 26-27, 2025. If you are affected, act now to avoid fines, bans, or legal trouble.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this initiative is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 ongoing efforts to improve immigration compliance and manage the presence of foreign nationals. By following the official process and leaving within the grace period, you protect your future travel options and help keep the system fair for everyone.
For more details and to start your application, visit the official Absher platform today.
Learn Today
Grace Period → A limited time allowing expired visa holders to exit a country legally without extra penalties.
Visit Visa → A permit allowing foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or family visits temporarily.
Absher Platform → Saudi Arabia’s official online portal for visa and residency services, including extension applications.
Tawasul Service → A service within Absher for submitting visa extension requests and communication with immigration authorities.
Final Exit Extension → A short-term visa extension enabling individuals to arrange departure from Saudi Arabia legally.
This Article in a Nutshell
Saudi Arabia announces a 30-day grace period from June 26-27, 2025, for expired visit visa holders. This allows legal exit by paying fines but forbids stay extension. Non-compliance after the deadline results in strict penalties, including bans and deportation, ensuring better immigration law enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
