Saudi Arabian authorities have introduced a one-time 30-day grace period for foreign nationals whose visit visas have expired, allowing them to exit the Kingdom without incurring additional legal penalties. This initiative, announced by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), went into effect on June 26, 2025, corresponding with the 1st of Muharram, 1447 AH.

This move forms part of broader immigration policy reforms designed to improve visa compliance and streamline the departure process for individuals who may have overstayed their legal stay due to unforeseen circumstances.

Conditions for Eligibility and Exit Process

According to the official directive, all categories of visit visas—whether family, business, or tourism—are included in this grace period. However, those affected must complete a few crucial steps to qualify for the leniency.

First, visa holders must pay all applicable fines and pending visa-related fees. Once cleared, they must submit a request for final exit via the Tawasul service, available on the Absher platform, which is managed by the Ministry of Interior. The process is not automatic and requires formal application and administrative approval.

Saudi authorities emphasize that this window is temporary and stress the importance of initiating the procedure early. Any delays could lead to enforcement actions, including additional fines, deportation, or bans on future entry into the Kingdom.

Humanitarian Approach to Overstays

While Saudi Arabia is known for its strict immigration enforcement—often imposing steep fines and re-entry bans on visa violators—the current initiative marks a more lenient and structured approach. It aims to provide relief for those who may have overstayed unintentionally, possibly due to financial hardship, travel restrictions, or logistical barriers.

By offering a clean slate through a final legal exit, the Kingdom hopes to reduce the number of irregular migrants and create smoother population management, especially during high-volume travel periods like Umrah and Hajj seasons.

Context: Recent Visa Restrictions for Some Countries

This grace period comes just months after Saudi Arabia revoked access to one-year multiple-entry visit visas for nationals from Nigeria and 13 other countries. The affected nations now face a single-entry visa policy as of February 2025.

The list of countries includes:

• Nigeria

• Algeria

• Bangladesh

• Egypt

• Ethiopia

• India

• Indonesia

• Iraq

• Jordan

• Morocco

• Pakistan

• Sudan

• Tunisia

• Yemen

Saudi authorities introduced these restrictions to prevent unauthorized participation in religious pilgrimages—particularly the Hajj—and to maintain better control over the growing number of overstays and illegal entries during religious events.

The change underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to tighten immigration oversight while balancing humanitarian considerations for affected travelers.

Stiff Penalties for Overstayers Outside the Grace Window

Saudi Arabia’s immigration policies remain stringent for individuals who fail to comply within the given time frame. Visitors who overstay beyond the 30-day grace period without initiating the legal departure process face:

• Daily fines, which increase the longer the overstay continues

• Possible arrest and deportation

• Re-entry bans lasting from several years to permanent exclusion, depending on the violation’s severity

These penalties are rigorously enforced, with the government deploying automated tracking systems and collaborating with various sectors to ensure compliance.

What Travelers Need to Know

Jawazat has issued several key recommendations for visa holders affected by the grace period:

• Don’t delay: Begin the application process well before the deadline to account for possible processing delays.

• Pay all outstanding dues: You must settle fines and fees before your final exit can be approved.

• Use official channels: Submit your final exit request through the Absher platform using the Tawasul service.

• Act responsibly: Take advantage of this one-time opportunity to leave legally and avoid long-term immigration consequences.

Saudi Arabia’s Immigration Strategy in Transition

The decision to offer a 30-day exit window demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s evolving stance on immigration enforcement—one that balances control with compassion.

With recent changes targeting overstays, visa misuse, and illegal pilgrimage participation, the government appears committed to curbing unauthorized migration while creating legal pathways for resolution.

This shift is particularly significant in the lead-up to major religious seasons, where the influx of foreign visitors tends to spike and strains immigration monitoring.

However, it also signals to other countries—especially those like Nigeria whose nationals have faced stricter scrutiny in 2025—that the Kingdom is prioritizing structured, lawful movement across its borders over punitive action alone.

Final Thoughts

For foreign nationals currently in Saudi Arabia on expired visit visas, the message is clear: use this opportunity wisely. With penalties looming and re-entry rights at stake, the 30-day grace period offers a legal and straightforward path out of a potentially escalating situation.

Saudi authorities urge full compliance, and while they have made a rare concession with this initiative, the emphasis remains on law, order, and accountability.

Foreign visitors must now navigate these tighter rules with careful attention, as Saudi Arabia continues its path toward a more structured and strategic immigration system—one where overstays and unauthorized pilgrimages have serious long-term consequences.