Quick Summary
- Exit re-entry visa extension is done by your employer through Absher Business
- You cannot extend it yourself — employer action is required
- Request extension at least 3 weeks before expiry — not at the last minute
- If expired while abroad — contact employer immediately and do not book a return flight until new visa is confirmed
- Employer refusing to extend is an HRSD complaint matter
- Embassy can issue emergency travel documents if employer is completely unresponsive
Why Exit Re-entry Visas Expire While Abroad
Exit re-entry visas have a fixed validity period — typically between 1 and 6 months depending on what your employer issued. If your trip home takes longer than expected due to medical emergencies, family situations, flight disruptions or simply losing track of the date — the visa can expire before you return to Saudi Arabia.
This is more common than many expats realise. The good news is it is resolvable — but it requires immediate action and employer cooperation.
Extending Before Expiry — The Right Approach
The best time to think about extension is before your visa expires — ideally 3 weeks before the expiry date. This gives enough time for the employer to process the extension without rushing.
Check Your Expiry Date on Absher
Log into the Absher app and check your exit re-entry visa expiry date under "My Services" → "Exit Visas." If you are abroad without your Saudi SIM, check via Muqeem.sa using your iqama number and date of birth.
Contact HR in Writing Immediately
Send an email to HR clearly stating your current exit re-entry visa expiry date, your planned return date and requesting an extension. Be specific — state the date you need to return by and ask for the visa to be extended to cover that date plus a buffer of at least one week.
HR Submits Extension Through Absher Business
Your employer's PRO or HR department logs into Absher Business and submits an extension or new exit re-entry visa for your iqama number. This can be done remotely — they do not need you physically present in Saudi Arabia to process it.
Confirm Extension on Absher Before Booking Return Flight
Once HR says the extension is done, verify it yourself on Absher before booking your return flight. Do not rely solely on HR's confirmation — check the Absher system shows the new extended expiry date. Only then book your return travel.
If Your Exit Re-entry Visa Has Already Expired Abroad
If you are already outside Saudi Arabia and your exit re-entry visa has expired — you cannot board a flight back to Saudi Arabia on that visa. Here is what to do immediately:
Contact HR Immediately — Even Outside Business Hours
Call or message your direct manager or HR contact immediately — even on weekends or holidays. Explain that your exit re-entry visa has expired and you cannot return. Request them to issue a new exit re-entry visa or arrange a new entry visa as a matter of urgency. Send a follow-up email to create a written record.
Request a New Exit Re-entry Visa or Fresh Entry Visa
Your employer can issue a new exit re-entry visa even after the old one has expired — as long as your iqama is still valid. They do this through Absher Business. Once issued you can travel back to Saudi Arabia on the new visa. In some cases a single-entry visit or work visa may need to be arranged through the Saudi embassy in your country.
If Employer Is Unresponsive — Escalate
If HR does not respond within 24 hours, escalate to your direct manager, then to senior management. If still no response after 48 hours, file an HRSD complaint online at hrsd.gov.sa explaining that your employer is refusing to issue a return visa leaving you stranded abroad. HRSD takes this seriously.
Contact Your Embassy for Emergency Assistance
Your home country's embassy can provide consular assistance if you are stranded abroad. They can contact the Saudi employer or Saudi authorities diplomatically and in extreme cases may be able to facilitate an emergency entry arrangement. Contact them in parallel with your HRSD complaint if the employer remains unresponsive.
What Happens to Your Iqama While You Are Stuck Abroad?
Your iqama continues to exist even when your exit re-entry visa has expired — these are two separate documents. However the longer you remain outside Saudi Arabia the greater the risk that:
- Your employer files Huroob (absconding) against you — particularly if there was already a strained relationship. Monitor Absher even from abroad.
- Your employer cancels your iqama sponsorship if they believe you are not returning — this makes the situation significantly more complicated.
- Your iqama itself may approach its expiry date during an extended absence — creating a double problem of expired iqama and expired exit visa.
Act quickly — every day of delay increases the complexity of the situation.
Can Your Employer Refuse to Extend Your Exit Re-entry Visa?
Your employer has administrative control over exit re-entry visa issuance — but they cannot unreasonably strand you abroad without a return visa. Leaving an employee without means to return is a serious violation of their sponsorship obligations. If your employer deliberately refuses to issue a return visa:
- File an HRSD complaint immediately citing employer abandonment of sponsorship duties
- Contact your embassy for diplomatic intervention
- This constitutes grounds for an Article 81 constructive dismissal claim — full EOSB applies
- Document all attempts to contact the employer as evidence for your claim
Prevention — How to Never Be in This Situation
- Always request multiple-entry visas — they give you flexibility without needing repeated extensions for each trip
- Set a reminder 3 weeks before expiry — calendar reminder on your phone the moment you receive any exit re-entry visa
- Keep a buffer of at least 1 week — plan your return at least 7 days before visa expiry to allow for travel disruptions
- Check Absher before every departure — verify visa expiry date on Absher the day before you leave Saudi Arabia on every single trip
Frequently Asked Questions
My exit visa expired 2 days ago and I am abroad. How quickly can my employer issue a new one?
If your employer acts immediately, a new exit re-entry visa can be issued through Absher Business the same day or within 24 hours in most cases. The system processes quickly once the employer submits the request. The delay is usually not the system — it is getting the employer to act. Escalate immediately and keep calling until you get confirmation.
My iqama is also expiring while I am abroad. What do I do?
This is a more serious situation. Your employer needs to renew your iqama remotely through the Jawazat system AND issue a new exit re-entry visa. Both can be done without you being in Saudi Arabia if your employer cooperates. Contact HR, your manager and file an HRSD complaint simultaneously. Contact your embassy as well — they can apply additional pressure.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa if my exit re-entry visa expired?
Technically Saudi Arabia now has a tourist visa available to many nationalities. However entering on a tourist visa while your work iqama is active creates a visa category mismatch that can cause serious immigration complications. This is not the recommended approach. The correct solution is to have your employer issue a proper work entry document. Consult your embassy before attempting this route.
Stranded Abroad With Expired Exit Visa?
This is an urgent situation that needs immediate action. Book a consultation for clear guidance on the fastest path back to Saudi Arabia and how to protect your employment rights throughout.