10
votes
Is it true Saudi Arabia has completely removed the exit re-entry visa requirement?
VisaI've been in Saudi for 5 years. Previously I needed to get exit re-entry visa stamped in my passport every time I went back to Sri Lanka. A friend told me this has been abolished. Is this true? What documents do I need now to travel freely?
S
Saman Wickramasinghe
2 months ago
472 views
1 answers
1 Answer
Accepted Answer
32
YES — this is true and it's a huge improvement! Saudi Arabia abolished the Exit/Re-Entry Visa requirement in 2021 as part of labor reforms. Here's what changed:
OLD SYSTEM: Had to apply for exit re-entry visa from employer, employer could deny, pay fee, wait for approval.
NEW SYSTEM (2021 onwards):
• Workers covered by Saudi Labour Law can leave and return WITHOUT any exit permit
• You DO NOT need employer permission to travel
• This applies to most private sector employees
HOW TO TRAVEL NOW:
1. Book your ticket normally
2. Go to airport with valid Iqama and passport
3. At departure gate, scan your Iqama/passport — the system approves automatically
4. That's it!
EXCEPTIONS:
• Workers under certain court/legal hold orders
• Those in active labor disputes filed against them
• Government/public sector workers may still have different rules
• Domestic workers — check with your employer as separate rules apply
Use the ABSHER app to check your own travel status before booking: it shows if you have travel clearance.
C
Chaminda Kumara
2 months ago
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