Large changes in Saudi Arabia: Whatever you have to know about Overste Rules and Abasher platform
TL; Dr:
Saudi Arabia Introducing an effective 30-day grace period effectively for expired visit visas on 26 June. This is a major change from the old 90, day penalty.- Failure to release within this window still triggers serious consequences: SAR fines up to 50,000, imprisonment for 6 months, exile and multi-year restrictions.
- At the same time, skill-based employment visas are being introduced to mark a step away from the cuffa sponsorship dependence. Passenger and
Immigrants To remain obedient, one must be informed through official platforms like Absher and Jawajat.
A beautiful innings: 30-day exit window introduced
In late June 2025, the General Directorate of Saudi Arabia’s passports (Jawazat) unveiled a groundbreaking policy, visited visa holders, whose visa can now request a 30-day exit permit through the Absher platform and its talcifer service. After paying any outstanding penalty, this grant allows legal departure without punishment. Previously, the overstayers suffered an immediate fine or arrest. This policy indicates a new approach: to balance enforcement with flexibility for travel issues, health concerns or emergency conditions.
What can still be wrong? Hard punishment for overstay
It is important to get out under the grace period. More than 30 days resulted in rigorous punishment:
- Fines: SAR 50,000 (~ USD 13,000)
- Potential jail time: up to 6 months
- Exile and entry restriction
- Sponsor
However for Haj and Umrah Peak Periods, these rules now apply Any Visa holder, go to year by year.
Who can use and not use a 30-day exhaust period
Eligible individuals include expired tourists, business, or family visits visa and Umrah Visa – once per person. Pay attention to exceptions:
- No entry again Permission during this period.
- Grace does not allow conversion or renewal within Saudi Arabia, only valid exits are possible.
System behind change: Absher platform
Grace policy is part of the ongoing effort to digitize Saudi’s immigration infrastructure:
- Integrated in Absher platform
- Time information through SMS/Email
- All fine option to pay online
- Efficiency in consulates and embassies through digital records
Safety meets modernization
Saudi Arabia’s innings reflects a large step under Vision 2030, using technology to streamline operations, reduce paperwork and clamp on irregular visa matters. The goals of modernization include:
- Border security has improved by tracking who comes and goes, always up-to-date.
- Labor market regulation prevents illegal work and prevents “runways”.
- Abolition of misuse of manual visa limit from fake documents to expired-visits.
For expats and sponsors, this means that compliance is real -time and transparent. Now “I did not know” will not catch water after sending an alert once on an excuse.
Overseas amidst broad visa reforms
Exhaust window policy is not a separate change. Saudi recently introduced skill-based visas, which:
- Final employer-dependent kafla sponsorship
- Give priority to qualification and performance
- Allow freedom to change jobs and maintain residence under new rules
Together, these improvements introduce a Saudi Arabia in infection, moving from strict control towards flexible, skill-based dynamics.
How to use exhaust extensions properly
- Watch your visa ending date closely.
- Access Absher → Tawasul Service → Apply for expansion within 30 days.
- Pay your exit fine and any administrative dues.
- Get digital exit approval.
- Get out of the country before the 30-day window is closed.
Failure to comply will restore old punishment; Fines, restrictions and potential prison time.
What do these reforms mean to you
- Humble enforcement phase: Saudi is reducing the route for honest passengers, while still deliberately punishing the overstays.
- Global reputation boost: To streamline visa processes and improve digital services reflects positively on Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts.
- Attraction increased for tourists and businesses: Simple migration and more flexibility can support Saudi’s tourism development.
Saudi Arabia’s new 30-day exhaust grace period, integrated with digital systems, marks a fresh and fair approach to immigration. To add it with skill-based visa reforms indicates readiness to transfer more transparent, performing and global profiles than arbitrary control. Nevertheless, this grace is not of a flaws, time matters, and overseas bring serious consequences. As Saudi modernizes, it will be important to be informed and obedient to every visitor.Saudi Arabia Visa compliance is making automatic and shared not only for visitors but also for those who manage their immigration status. By combining Abasher with strict punishment, the government is sending a message. Sponsor and expats now share responsibility, and mistakes can be expensive.
questions to ask
- Question: Can I live beyond 90 days without any problem?
Only when your travel visa was still valid. Overseasing 30-day exit applications beyond the expiration within 90 days of admission.
- Question: What happens if I do not get out within 30 days?
You can withstand the possibility of a fine up to SAR 50,000, prison up to six months, and a multi-year-year re-entry restriction.
- Question: How many times can I use exit extensions?
Only once per applicant, their time is tied to the finished visa.
- Question: Can I enter Saudi with a new visa during a 30-day period?
No. This window is strictly strict to get out.
