Saudi Arabia announced a big extension of its visa grace period, which is taking strain off thousands of foreign visitors in the Kingdom, whose papers have expired. This initiative was confirmed by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in an official statement, which has given hope to people who are at risk of legal repercussions as a result of overstaying their visit permits.
Current Grace Period Details and Timeline
Effective July 26, 2025 (1 Safar 1447 AH), Saudi Arabia extended its policy of issuing two months of grace when visitors with expired documents have a chance to leave the country on their own legally. The extension is supported by an identical initiative that was initially introduced in June 2025 during the Hijri New Year.
|
Important Dates |
Details |
|
Grace Period Start |
July 26, 2025 (1 Safar 1447 AH) |
|
Duration |
30 days from start date |
|
Application Deadline |
August 25, 2025 |
|
Original Initiative Launch |
June 26, 2025 (1 Muharram 1447 AH) |
Also Read: Top Nursing Jobs in Saudi Arabia: Salary & Benefits
Eligibility Requirements and Visa Categories
All the forms of visit permits (such as, but not limited to, the following) are included in the expired visit visa relief program:
-
Tourist visas (single and multiple entry)
-
Family visit visas
-
Business visit visas
-
Umrah pilgrimage permits
-
Transit visas
Application Process Through the Absher Platform
The Jawazat announcement specified that all applications must be processed through the official digital channels:
1. Access the Absher Platform
- Visit the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform
- Navigate to the Tawasul service section
2. Complete Financial Obligations
- Pay all outstanding visa-related fines
- Settle any administrative fees as per current regulations
- Obtain payment confirmation receipts
3. Submit Exit Request
- Fill out the formal exit application
- Upload required documentation
- Provide current contact information
4. Monitor Application Status
- Track progress through the Absher dashboard
- Respond to any additional requests promptly
- Prepare for departure once approved
|
Document Type |
Purpose |
|
Passport |
Identity verification |
|
Expired Visa Copy |
Proof of original entry |
|
Payment Receipts |
Fine settlement confirmation |
|
Exit Ticket |
Departure arrangement proof |
Penalties and Consequences for Non-Compliance
Here is the structure of penalties or consequences and non-compliance activities:
Current Penalty Structure
Visitors who fail to utilize this grace period in the July 2025 window face severe consequences under Saudi immigration law:
1. Financial Penalties:
-
Fines up to SAR 50,000 (approximately $13,300 USD)
-
Daily overstay charges are accumulating from the expiry date
-
Administrative processing fees
2. Legal Consequences:
-
Imprisonment for up to 6 months
-
Immediate deportation proceedings
-
Multi-year entry bans (typically 5-10 years)
-
Permanent immigration record marking
Employer and Sponsor Penalties
The Absher platform enforcement system also holds sponsors accountable:
-
Employer fines up to SAR 100,000 for unreported departures
-
Corporate sponsorship license suspension
-
Restrictions on future foreign worker visa applications
Also Read: Difference Between Single Entry and Double Entry Visas
Impact on Saudi Arabia's Immigration Policy
This grace period extension signals a strategic shift in Saudi Arabia's immigration approach, balancing strict enforcement with humanitarian considerations while advancing the Kingdom's digital transformation goals.
1. Digital Transformation Initiative: This extension represents part of Saudi Arabia's broader digital transformation strategy. The Absher platform serves multiple enforcement functions:
-
Real-time visa expiration alerts
-
Automated fine calculation systems
-
Digital exit permit processing
-
AI-powered compliance monitoring
2. Regional Context and Significance: The grace period initiative addresses practical challenges in the Middle East region:
3. Travel Disruptions: Flight cancellations, regional instability, and emergency situations that prevent timely departure
4. Medical Emergencies: Unexpected health issues requiring extended stays for treatment
5. Administrative Delays: Passport renewals, embassy processing delays, or documentation issues
6. Economic Factors: Financial constraints preventing immediate travel arrangements
Government Statement and Official Response
As per the official Jawazat statement, such an initiative is an indicator of the Saudi desire to find a balance between immigration and humanitarianism. The General Directorate of Passports stressed that it has been a period of opportunity, which is only a limited-time offer; hence, they will not accept additional extensions after August.
Recent Enforcement Context
Ibrahim's part in the program comes in the wake of a massive crackdown in May 2025 by Saudi security forces, which arrested nearly 15,000 individuals for various immigration lapses.
|
Violation Type |
Number Arrested |
|
Residency Law Violations |
9,212 individuals |
|
Border Security Violations |
3,502 individuals |
|
Labor Law Violations |
1,873 individuals |
|
Total Arrested |
14,987 individuals |
Also Read: Work Visa for Gulf Countries: Latest Expert's Guide
Conclusion
The 30-day Saudi Arabia visa grace period, in force from 26 July to 25 August 2025, offers overstayed visit visa holders a final window to pay any fines through Absher, file an exit request, and leave without incurring heavy penalties; full, authoritative details are available on the General Directorate of Passports website in Saudi Arabia. To know more about Saudi Arabia's newly announced policy for the overstay visa in 2025, visit TerraTern now!.
