New Final Exit Visa Rules in KSA: The 30-Day Iqama Validity Requirement
Exiting Saudi Arabia permanently (Khuruj Nihai) requires careful planning under the updated 2026 immigration guidelines. The Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) has tightened the rules surrounding the issuance and validity of Final Exit Visas.
Here is what you need to know to avoid heavy fines and travel delays when leaving the Kingdom.
The Strict 30-Day Validity Rule
The most critical change in 2026 involves the remaining validity of your Iqama at the time of applying for a Final Exit Visa:
The Rule: To apply for a Final Exit Visa, your Iqama must have at least 30 days of validity remaining.
If your Iqama has less than 30 days left, your employer must renew your Iqama first before the system allows a Final Exit Visa to be generated.
Exit Duration: If your Iqama has more than 60 days of validity, your Final Exit Visa is issued with a standard validity of exactly 60 days. You must leave the country within those 60 days.
Automatic Notifications & Grace Periods
Under the Labor Relation Initiative (LRI), expatriate workers now have a 60-day grace period upon the expiration or termination of their employment contract. During this window, you must:
Secure a new sponsor and transfer your sponsorship.
Or, apply for a Final Exit Visa and leave the Kingdom.
No Refund Policy
Remember that once paid, government fees for exit/re-entry or final exit visas are non-refundable, even if the visa is canceled or goes unused. Make sure your travel plans are finalized before your sponsor applies for your exit papers.