In a significant move, the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in Saudi Arabia has revoked the three-year ban imposed on expatriates who failed to return on their exit re-entry visas before the expiry date. This groundbreaking decision, effective since January 16, allows expat workers a chance to return to the Kingdom without facing the previous lengthy ban.
1. The Jawazat has instructed all land, sea, and air ports to permit the return of expatriates who missed their re-entry visa deadline.
2. Expats who left the Kingdom on an exit and re-entry visa and failed to return within the stipulated time are no longer subjected to a three-year ban.
3. The initial ban was implemented based on the demand from business figures who wanted to discourage individuals from overstaying on their exit and re-entry visas.
4. The Council of Ministers' decision was the foundation for the previous three-year ban, with the aim of regulating expatriate workers' timely return to Saudi Arabia.
5. Businessmen argued that delayed returns created financial burdens for employers, as they had to cover expenses for renewing residency permits, work permits, and return tickets.
6. The failure of expat workers to fulfill contractual obligations within the stipulated timeframe was deemed detrimental to both business interests and the overall job market security.
7. The Jawazat reiterated specific requirements for obtaining an exit and re-entry visa, including the payment of traffic violation fines and ensuring no outstanding violations that could lead to visa revocation.
8. Additional criteria include the absence of a valid visa, the presence of the intended recipient within the Kingdom's territory, a valid passport with at least 90 days' validity, and the inclusion of the individual's biometric fingerprint in the system.
