Saudi Arabia has recently revised its immigration policy by removing a ban that previously barred certain foreign workers from re-entering the country if they failed to come back before their exit and re-entry visa expired. This change was reported by local media sources within the Kingdom.
The ban, which was enforced in 2022, had stipulated that expatriates who departed the country with an exit and re-entry visa but did not return within the specified duration were not allowed to re-enter Saudi Arabia for three years. This rule has now been overturned, starting from January 16.
The General Directorate of Passports, known as Jawazat, has issued directives to all access points including land, sea, and air ports, authorizing the readmission of these expats into the country. As part of the reinstated regulations, to qualify for an exit and re-entry visa, workers must have a valid passport and ensure all fines are cleared.
Previously, the ban was enacted following requests from businesses to restrict the return of workers who did not adhere to the visa timeframe. However, guidelines did allow for the extension of the visa duration for workers who were outside Saudi Arabia.
The lifting of this ban is seen as a significant move in the business sector, particularly for companies reliant on expatriate labor, as it reinstates the mobility and flexibility of the foreign workforce in the Kingdom.