Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofPassports
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Canceling Exit Visas Won't Get Your Money Back
DUBAI, June 16: Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has clarified that fees paid for exit and re-entry visas are non-refundable, even if the visa is canceled. The clarification comes amid heightened demand for travel information, as thousands of expatriates prepare for summer holidays. The announcement was made in response to a public inquiry from a resident asking whether visa fees could be reimbursed upon cancellation. In a formal response, Jawazat stated: 'If the exit and re-entry visa is canceled, the fees are non-refundable.' As per current regulations: A single exit and re-entry visa costs SAR 200 for up to two months, with an additional SAR 100 for each extra month within the validity of the resident's permit (iqama). A multiple exit and re-entry visa costs SAR 500 for up to three months, with an additional SAR 200 for each extra month. For residents currently outside the Kingdom requiring visa extensions: The extension fee for a single visa is SAR 200 per month, and for multiple visas, SAR 400 per month Jawazat also highlighted that all procedures—whether canceling or extending visas—can be carried out via the Absher digital platform. To cancel a visa, users must log in to Absher, go to 'Services for Sponsors,' select the relevant individual, and confirm the cancellation. However, canceling a visa does not entitle the user to a refund of the original fees. For residents outside Saudi Arabia (particularly domestic workers and dependents), visa extensions can also be processed online. Individuals can access Absher under 'Worker Services' or 'Family Member Services' to complete the renewal process. Employers and sponsors may use the Absher Business platform to extend visas for professional workers abroad by selecting 'My Business Services' followed by the 'Visas' option.
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: No Refunds For Canceled Exit And Re-Entry Visas
Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has outlined the conditions for canceling exit and re-entry visas, confirming that fees paid for these visas are non-refundable even if the visa is canceled. This clarification comes as thousands of expatriates prepare for summer travel and seek clarity on visa procedures. The announcement came in response to a public inquiry this week from a resident who asked whether they could reclaim visa fees if their exit and re-entry permit was canceled. In a statement, the Passports Department said, 'If the exit and re-entry visa is canceled, the fees are non-refundable.' Under current regulations, the fee for a single exit and re-entry visa is 200 Saudi riyals, valid for up to two months, with an additional SAR 100 for each extra month within the validity of the resident's permit (iqama). For multiple exit and re-entry visas, the fee is 500 riyals for up to three months, and 200 riyals for each additional month. For residents who are already outside Saudi Arabia and need to extend their visas, the extension fees are doubled 200 riyals for a single exit and re-entry visa extension (valid for one month) and 400 riyals for a multiple visa extension. Jawazat emphasized that the entire processwhether canceling or extending visas, can be managed through the Absher digital platform. To cancel an exit and re-entry visa, users must log in to Absher, select 'Services for Sponsors,' choose the relevant individual, and confirm the cancellation request. However, even after cancellation, the initial fees remain non-refundable. For those seeking to extend visas while outside the Kingdom, a frequent scenario for domestic workers and dependents Jawazat explained that renewals can be processed online. Residents can access the Absher platform, select 'Worker Services' or 'Family Member Services,' and follow prompts to renew exit and re-entry visas for themselves or those under their sponsorship. Employers or sponsors can also use the Absher Business platform to extend visas for professional workers outside the Kingdom by accessing 'My Business Services' and selecting 'Visas.'
Saudi Gazette
11-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Passports Directorate completes departure procedures for first flights of pilgrims from Jeddah
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports completed the departure procedures for the first flights of pilgrims via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah after they performed this year's Hajj rituals in ease and comfort. The Passports Directorate confirmed its readiness to complete departure procedures for pilgrims through all land crossings, airports, and seaports in Saudi Arabia. It stressed the importance of pilgrims adhering to the departure times for their home countries after performing the annual pilgrimage.
Gulf Insider
11-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: Passports Directorate Issues 12,711 Penalties For Violators In One Month
The General Directorate of Passports issued 12,711 administrative decisions through its regional committees during the month of Dhul Qada 1446 AH, penalizing violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. The penalties include imprisonment and deportation. The Passports Directorate urged citizens, residents, business owners, and individuals to refrain from transporting, employing, sheltering, concealing, or assisting violators of residency, labor, or border security regulations in any way. It called on the public to report violations by dialing 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province, and 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Gulf Insider
11-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Warns Pilgrims: Leave Before Hajj Visa Expires Or Face Penalties
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on all pilgrims to leave the Kingdom before the expiration of their Hajj visas, highlighting the importance of respecting regulations and avoiding legal consequences associated with overstaying. In an official statement, the ministry said that timely departure is not only a legal obligation but also a respect for the Kingdom's regulations and the annual pilgrimage season. 'Abiding by the designated departure period preserves the integrity of Hajj procedures and ensures ongoing facilitation for all guests of God,' the ministry said. The ministry further stressed that pilgrims must comply with all relevant laws, use their visas strictly for the purposes of Hajj, and avoid any involvement with unlicensed agents or activities beyond the permitted period. Failure to comply could result in legal penalties or future travel restrictions. Government authorities have launched an extensive departure operation, with the General Directorate of Passports deploying staff and advanced technologies across all international air, land, and sea exit points. 'We have mobilized personnel and security systems to ensure an efficient and orderly exit process for pilgrims,' the directorate said. In the Medina Region, local authorities have started farewelling pilgrims departing via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Many are spending time in the city after Hajj to visit the Prophet's Mosque before returning home. To streamline the process, a dedicated program coordinates transfers from residences to the airport, overseen by the regional Hajj and Visit Committee. The airport saw significant traffic during the pre-Hajj phase, welcoming 719,400 pilgrims, nearly half of all air-arriving Hajj pilgrims this year on 1,910 flights from 196 cities across 53 countries. That figure represented 60 percent of all Hajj-related flights arriving at Saudi airports this season.
