Key Takeaways:

  • A final exit visa is mandatory for expats leaving Saudi Arabia after their Iqama expires.
  • Failure to leave within the visa’s validity period may result in fines of up to SAR 1,000.
  • Applications can be submitted through the Absher or Muqeem platforms.

What is the Saudi Final Exit Visa?

Expats working in Saudi Arabia need a final exit visa, also known as Khurooj Nihai, to permanently leave the country once their residence permit (Iqama) expires. This visa requires employer approval before issuance.

Key requirements:

  • The expat’s passport must be valid for at least 60 days at the time of visa issuance.
  • Once the final exit visa is issued, the Iqama becomes invalid.
  • Expats who fail to leave the Kingdom within the visa’s validity period may incur fines of up to SAR 1,000.

Difference between Final Exit Visa and Exit/Re-Entry Visa:

  • Final Exit Visa: For employees with an expired Iqama or those without an Iqama, intending to leave KSA permanently.
  • Exit/Re-Entry Visa: For beneficiaries with family members or domestic workers outside KSA, or employees who wish to leave temporarily and return within a specified period.

How to Apply for the Saudi Final Exit Visa?

Prerequisites for Applying:

Before applying for the final exit visa, ensure the following conditions are met:

  1. Fee Payment: All visa-related fees must be paid in full.
  2. Traffic Violations: Any outstanding traffic fines related to the applicant, family members, or employer must be settled.
  3. Physical Presence: The applicant must be physically present in Saudi Arabia.
  4. Passport Validity: The passport should have at least 60 days of validity.
  5. Iqama Validity: The residence ID (Iqama) should be valid for at least:
    • Less than 30 days → Renew Iqama before proceeding.
    • 30 to 60 days → Visa validity matches Iqama validity.
    • 60+ days → Visa validity is capped at 60 days.
  6. No Registered Vehicle: The applicant must not have a vehicle registered under their name.
  7. Fingerprint Registration: Individuals aged 15 and above (both genders) must have their fingerprints recorded.

Application Process for Final Exit Visa

You can apply for the final exit visa through the following platforms:

1. Applying via Absher

To apply through the Absher platform, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Absher account.
  2. Click on the “Services” tab under “My Services.”
  3. Select “Passports” from the available options.
  4. Click on “Visa Requests.”
  5. Navigate to the next page and scroll down.
  6. Select “Create a request for visa.”
  7. Choose the option “Final Exit Visa.”
  8. Accept the terms and conditions.
  9. Click the “Confirm” button to finalize the request.

Important: If you meet all requirements but receive an error message stating “Sorry, you are not eligible to create a visa request,” contact the General Directorate of Passports for assistance.

2. Applying via Muqeem

To apply through the Muqeem platform, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Muqeem account.
  2. Navigate to E-transactions.
  3. Select “Electronic Final Exit Visa.”
  4. Click “Issue Final Exit Visa.”
  5. Enter the security code.
  6. Provide the required resident data.
  7. Review the displayed resident details.
  8. Click “Agree” and then “Confirm.”
  9. Print a copy of the visa for your records.

How to Check the Status of the Final Exit Visa?

You can check the status of your final exit visa through the Absher or Ministry of Labor (MOL) platforms.

1. Checking via Absher

Follow these steps to check your final exit visa status via Absher:

  1. Visit the Absher website.
  2. Select “Individuals” and choose your preferred language (English/Arabic).
  3. Log in to your Absher account.
  4. Go to the Dashboard.
  5. Click on “More Details” under your name tab.
  6. Scroll down and check the “Visa Class” under “Visa Information.”

Result:

  • If your final exit visa has been issued, it will display as “FINAL.”

2. Checking via Ministry of Labor (MOL)

Follow these steps to check the status via the MOL website:

  1. Visit the Ministry of Labor (MOL) website.
  2. Change the language to English.
  3. Enter your ID number.
  4. Click on the “Green” button to check status.

Result:

  • If the final exit visa is issued, your employment status will show as “خروج نهايي” (Final Exit).
  • If it hasn’t been issued, the status will be “علي رأس العمل” (Currently Employed).

Important Considerations When Applying for a Final Exit Visa

  1. Exit Deadline: Once the final exit visa is approved, the individual must leave Saudi Arabia within the visa validity period to avoid fines.
  2. Iqama Cancellation: The final exit visa cancels the Iqama permanently; re-entry will require a new visa application.
  3. Employer Involvement: The employer must approve and initiate the visa process.
  4. No Pending Obligations: Ensure all outstanding debts and obligations are cleared before applying for the final exit visa.

Conclusion

The Saudi final exit visa is a crucial requirement for expats planning to leave KSA permanently. Ensuring compliance with prerequisites and following the correct application procedures via Absher or Muqeem will help avoid any last-minute issues or fines. Always check your visa status to confirm its issuance and validity before making travel arrangements.

For more information, visit the official Saudi government portals: