Exit Visa For Saudi Arabia
So you want to leave Saudi Arabia ? Be it due to a job loss, marriage, or maybe you just want to see the world. The process of getting your exit visa can be a long and arduous task if done yourself. You’ve probably spent the last few years building your life here in Saudi Arabia . You probably have friends and family, you have a driver’s license, car registration, bills and bank accounts…Note: The word “Exit” in this case does not mean a visa to exit the country. It means that departing from Saudi Arabia is like exiting a maze, which requires special legal procedures.
Exit Visa For Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is known for its conservative rules and laws. But the government is now planning to make it a little easier for expats through new visa rules. This article will explain the new changes to Saudi Arabia’s expat visa law and will help you decide if now is the right time to leave.Saudi Arabia wasn’t always this way. A few decades ago, the country was known for its moderate and tolerant Islam. Today, it is a breeding ground for extremism—and a dangerous place for atheists who do not believe in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad.
An exit visa is a government-issued travel document used by some countries.
While only certain destinations require visitors to have an exit visa, it is helpful to know what this document is. You may be required to have one for your trip abroad.
This page explains what an exit visa is, and how different countries use this immigration policy.
Exit Visa Definition
An exit visa is a specific travel policy that some countries require exiting passengers to follow.
The official document works similarly to a standard entry visa, in that it gives the holder permission to pass through immigration. However, an exit visa allows you to leave the country, rather than enter.
Purpose of an Exit Visa
The purpose of an exit visa depends on the issuing authority. It can be used to:
- Control the number of individuals leaving
- Prevent political rebels or criminals from leaving
- Monitor people who have debt
- Ensure work visa holders complete their sponsored employment
- Prevent emigration of skilled workers
Examples of Countries that Require an Exit Visa
Some countries require travelers in specific circumstances to have an exit visa to leave.
The policies depend on the country you are visiting, so it is advisable to check your destination’s official travel information before you plan your trip.
Russia’s tourist visa policy
Some countries use the travel document to control the number of people who overstay their visas.
Russia requires any visitor who has stayed longer than their allocated time to have an exit visa to leave. The document must include an explanation as to why they overstayed their trip.
Saudi Arabia’s work visa
Other authorities use an exit visa to monitor visitors with a work visa.
Saudi Arabia only permits work visa holders to stay for the duration of their contract. In order to leave, they must apply for an exit visa when their work agreement has ended. If the employee does not apply for the visa in time, they will be overstaying in Saudi Arabia.
The exit visa is also used by some countries to ensure that foreign workers complete their job contracts, particularly if they have been sponsored by a company.
India’s lost passport policy
India also has an exit visa for overseas visitors who have lost their passport (or had it stolen) while traveling in the country.
Even with a replacement travel document, you must also get an exit visa in order to leave India without your official passport.
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) stated that the minimum period of validity required for issuing exit and reentry visa for expatriates is 90 days.
The Jawazat stressed that the duration of exit and reentry visa shall be valid for three months for travel from the date of issuance of the visa, if the duration is specified in months (60, 90, and 120 days).
The duration of the visa will be calculated from the date of travel. But if the duration is limited to a number of days or return before a specific date, the duration of visa will be calculated from the date of its issuance.
The Jawazat said that the fee for issuing a single exit and reentry visa is amounted to SR200 for a single trip with a maximum period of two months, and SR100 is charged for each additional month, within the limits of the validity period of the residency permit (iqama).
The fee for issuing a multiple exit and reentry visa is amounted to SR500 for several trips for a maximum period of three months, and SR200 is charged for each additional month, within the limits of the validity period of iqama.
It is worthy to note that it is required for an expatriate for travel to have a valid visa and a valid travel document, with totally complying with the conditions to enter the country of destination.