Saudi Arabia Introduces 30-Day Grace Period for Expired Visit Visas: A Game-Changer for Travelers

Starting 26 June 2025, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has
introduced a groundbreaking initiative offering a 30-day grace period for individuals
holding expired visit visas. This new policy provides a legal “exit ramp” for travelers to
regularize their status and depart the Kingdom without facing penalties, fines, or future
entry bans. The deadline for this initiative has now been extended to 25 August 2025,
offering additional time for compliance.
This progressive move reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a more humane
and practical approach to immigration. It addresses the challenges faced by visitors who
may have encountered unexpected delays due to flight suspensions, regional instability,
or personal emergencies. By offering a grace period, the Kingdom ensures that travelers
can exit legally, avoiding the severe legal and financial consequences typically associated
with visa overstays.

Key Features of the New Policy

1. 30-Day Grace Period:

Visitors on expired visit visas—whether for tourism,
family, or business purposes—now have 30 days from the visa expiry date to
depart Saudi Arabia without penalties.

2. Final Exit Only:

This grace period is strictly for departure purposes and cannot
be used to extend the stay or apply for a new visa while in the country.

3. Clear Compliance Process:

Travelers must settle all applicable fines and
administrative fees and initiate the exit request through the Absher
platform using the Tawasul service provided by the Ministry of Interior.

Why This Matters

In a region where visa overstays can lead to significant consequences, this initiative is a
welcome relief for travelers and businesses alike. It not only alleviates the stress of
unexpected delays but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s efforts to streamline and digitize
immigration procedures. Platforms like Absher have made compliance more accessible
and transparent, ensuring a smoother experience for visitors.

Implications for Businesses and Travelers

Companies with foreign visitors in Saudi Arabia should act promptly to identify
individuals who may benefit from this policy. Business travelers, family visitors, and
tourists with expired visas must be informed of the new deadline and supported in
completing the required exit procedures. Timely action will help avoid fines, entry bans,
or other immigration penalties.

How Crossway Global Can Help

At Crossway Global, we specialize in providing expert guidance on Saudi Arabia’s
immigration policies and their implications for businesses and employees. Our team is
closely monitoring developments in the Kingdom and can assist you in navigating these
changes effectively. Whether you need compliance assessments, policy updates, or
support with exit procedures, we are here to ensure your business and employees
remain compliant with the latest visa regulations.

Knowing the Residency Permit in UAE

What is a UAE Residency Visa?

A UAE residency visa is a official issued by the UAE government, allowing non citizens to stay for a specific period. It’s often linked with employment, business, or family visa. Visa holders enjoy several advantages, such as access to healthcare, education, and banking facilities.

Why Residency Permits are Important

Residency visa protect your legal rights and ensure compliance with UAE immigration laws. Without this law, long-term stay or employment is not allowed. That’s why consulting with the Best immigration consultant in Abu Dhabi or a Dubai residency visa consultant ensures your process runs effectively.

Who Can Apply for Residency Visa in UAE?

Anyone whose want to live in the UAE for work, business, or any reasons can easily apply. The main residency visa include:

Employment based residence visa
Investor or business visa
Family sponsor visa
Student visa
Retirement visa

Each category has its specific documentation and eligibility requirements.

Required Documents for Residency visa in UAE

Necessary Documents for All Applicants

When applying for a residency Visa in UAE, you must prepare certain essential documents. CrosswayGlobals ensures all documentation is error-free and updated to meet current immigration standards. The key documents include:

Valid passport
Recent passport-sized photographs
Entry permit copy
Emirates ID application form
Medical fitness test results from an authorized center
Health insurance proof
Tenancy contract or accommodation proof

Employment-Based Residency Permits

If you are moving for a job, your employer will sponsor your visa. Required documents include:

Employment contract approved by the Ministry of workers
Company trade license copy
Employer’s immigration establishment card
Copy of your university degree

Working with a top immigration company in Dubai like CrosswayGlobals helps you verify each document for official attestation before submission.

Family authorization Residency visa

For family visas, residents can sponsor their spouse, children, or parents. Documents needed are:

Sponsor’s Emirates ID
Sponsor’s salary certificate
Marriage certificate
Birth certificates for children
Proof of residence

These documents should be translated into Arabic and approved by UAE Officials.

Medical and Legal Requirements for Residency visa in UAE

Mandatory Medical Tests

Medical fitness testing is a vital part of obtaining a residency permit in UAE. Every applicant must go through:

Blood tests for infectious diseases.
Chest X-ray to check for tuberculosis

Applicants who receive a medical certificate, which must be attach with the visa application.

UAE ID Registration

After the medical test, the next step is registering for your UAE ID. Required documents include:

Passport and visa copies
Medical certificate
Biometric data

The UAE ID serves as your official ID card across the UAE.

Document Approval Requirements

All non-citizens documents like educational degrees, marriage certificates, and birth certificates must be proved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE government in your home country. The Dubai residency visa consultant at CrosswayGlobals assists with certification and translation to ensure full compliance.

Stepwise Process to Obtain a Residency Permit in Dubai

Entry visa Application

Before entering the UAE, an entry visa must be issued. Employers or family members can apply on your behalf.

Medical Examination and UAE ID

Once you reach, complete the medical test and start the UAE ID registration.

Visa Stamping on Passport

After completing medical and ID procedures, submit your passport for visa stamping. This marks the official issuance of your residency permit in UAE.

Final Document Verification

The immigration department reviews your documents before final approval. Having support from the Best immigration consultant in Abu Dhabi ensures your documents are accurate and valid.

Gaining Your Residency Permit

After validation, your visa will be stamped on your passport, and you will receive your UAE ID soon. This ID confirms your legal residency in the UAE.

Common problems to Avoid During the Residency Application

Submitting Incomplete Documents

Incomplete paperwork often causes visa rejection. Always verified every requirement before submission.

Missing Attestation and Translation

Uncertified documents can delay your application. Always make sure all foreign papers meet UAE standards.

Ignoring Legal Advice

Consulting experts like CrosswayGlobals, a top immigration company in Dubai, helps you avoid rejections. Their consultants guide you through each document and requirement.

How CrosswayGlobals Helps You Get a Residency Permit in UAE

Professional Guidance and Support

CrosswayGlobals provides complete immigration and visa consultancy for individuals and families. From documentation to visa marking, their experts ensure every step is handled properly.

faithful Consultants in Abu Dhabi.

If you are looking for the Best immigration consultant in Dubai residency visa consultant, CrosswayGlobals offers experienced professionals who understand UAE immigration laws and handle cases efficiently.

Comprehensive Visa Solutions

Their services include:

Employment and business visa processing
Family sponsorship and renewal services
Document attestation and translation
Medical and Emirates ID coordination

CrosswayGlobals ensures a clear process and complete client satisfaction.

Conclusion Secure Your Residency Permit in UAE with CrosswayGlobals

Obtaining a Residency permit in UAE becomes simple and stress-free when you prepare all documents correctly and follow the process step by step. With CrosswayGlobals, you get expert help from the Best immigration consultant in Abu Dhabi and Dubai residency visa consultant teams who make your relocation easier.