Quick Summary
- You need an exit re-entry visa to leave Saudi Arabia and return
- Your employer issues the exit re-entry visa — not you
- Types: Single entry (one trip) and Multiple entry (unlimited trips in validity period)
- Always verify your visa is active on Absher before going to the airport
- If exit re-entry visa expires while abroad — contact employer immediately
- Employer cannot unreasonably withhold exit re-entry visa
What Is an Exit Re-entry Visa?
An exit re-entry visa is the official document that allows an expat worker in Saudi Arabia to leave the Kingdom and return to continue employment. Without this visa, you cannot travel outside Saudi Arabia while on a working iqama.
The exit re-entry visa is different from a Final Exit visa. The exit re-entry visa is for temporary travel — you intend to return. A Final Exit visa is for permanently leaving Saudi Arabia and ending your employment and iqama.
Types of Exit Re-entry Visa
| Type | Trips Allowed | Best For | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | One trip only | Annual leave trip home | Typically 1–3 months |
| Multiple Entry | Unlimited trips | Frequent travelers, business trips | Typically 6 months–1 year |
The multiple entry visa is significantly more convenient for expats who travel frequently. Once issued, you can exit and re-enter Saudi Arabia as many times as you need within the validity period without needing a new visa each time.
Who Issues the Exit Re-entry Visa?
Your employer — as your iqama sponsor — is responsible for issuing your exit re-entry visa. They do this through the Absher Business platform. The visa is linked to your iqama number and appears on your Absher account once issued.
You cannot issue the visa yourself. You must request it from your HR department. Most companies have a standard process — HR submits the request, the visa is issued within a few days and you can check its status on Absher.
How to Request Your Exit Re-entry Visa
Request from HR in Writing
Submit a formal written request to HR well in advance of your travel — at least 2 weeks before your intended departure. Include your travel dates, destination and whether you need single or multiple entry.
HR Submits Request on Absher Business
Your HR or PRO department logs into Absher Business and submits the exit re-entry visa request for your iqama number. They select the visa type, validity period and destination country if required.
Visa Issued and Appears on Absher
Once approved — usually within 1–3 working days — the visa appears on your personal Absher account under "Exit Visas." You will see the visa type, issue date and expiry date.
Verify on Absher Before Traveling
Always check Absher the day before you travel to confirm the visa is still active. Do not rely on HR confirmation alone — check it yourself. An inactive or expired visa means you will be stopped at the airport.
Travel and Return Within Validity
Travel using your passport and iqama as identification. For single entry, return before the visa expiry date. For multiple entry, you can travel multiple times but must return before the overall validity expires.
What Happens If Exit Re-entry Visa Expires While You Are Abroad?
This is one of the most stressful situations an expat can face. If your exit re-entry visa expires while you are outside Saudi Arabia:
- You cannot board a flight back to Saudi Arabia — airlines will not board passengers without a valid Saudi entry document
- Contact your employer immediately — they need to issue a new exit re-entry visa or arrange a new entry visa for you
- Your iqama may also be at risk — if you stay outside Saudi Arabia for too long without a valid visa, your iqama may be cancelled by the employer
- Visit the Saudi embassy or consulate in your home country if your employer is unresponsive — they can advise on return options
- Do not overstay unnecessarily — the longer you remain outside without a valid document, the more complicated the situation becomes
Can Your Employer Refuse to Issue an Exit Re-entry Visa?
Employers have the legal authority to manage when exit re-entry visas are issued — they can require you to seek permission before traveling. However they cannot unreasonably or indefinitely withhold the right to travel.
- Employers can require you to travel during your designated annual leave period — this is reasonable
- Employers can delay issuance during critical business periods — but should give clear timelines
- Employers cannot use the exit visa as a threat or punishment tool — this would be a rights violation
- If you have not traveled home in over a year and your employer keeps refusing, this is an HRSD complaint matter regarding your freedom of movement
Exit Re-entry Visa and Annual Leave
Most expats use their exit re-entry visa in conjunction with their annual leave to travel home. The practical process is:
- Request annual leave approval first — in writing
- Once leave is approved, request exit re-entry visa for the same period
- Ensure visa validity covers your entire trip including return date
- For longer trips, request multiple entry visa so you have flexibility
- Keep at least 1 week buffer between your planned return date and visa expiry
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer cancel my exit re-entry visa after it has been issued?
Yes — employers can cancel an exit re-entry visa through Absher Business. If you are already abroad and your employer cancels your visa, you cannot return on that visa. Always have a good relationship with your employer before traveling and stay in contact. If a visa is cancelled without cause, this is an HRSD complaint matter.
Do dependents need their own exit re-entry visa?
Yes — each dependent on your iqama sponsorship needs their own exit re-entry visa to travel. Your visa only covers you. Request dependent visas from HR at the same time as your own to avoid separate requests and delays.
I used my single entry visa but need to travel again. What do I do?
You need to request a new exit re-entry visa from HR. A used single entry visa cannot be reused. For frequent travelers it is always better to request multiple entry visas upfront — it saves time and repeated HR requests.
Does the exit re-entry visa expiry date affect my iqama?
The exit re-entry visa and iqama are separate documents with separate expiry dates. An expired exit re-entry visa does not expire your iqama. However if you are outside Saudi Arabia and both expire, you face a more complex situation. Monitor both through Absher regularly.
My employer says I need to pay for my own exit re-entry visa. Is this correct?
The exit re-entry visa fee is typically the employer's responsibility as part of their sponsorship obligations. Some companies charge this back to employees as a policy — check your contract. If your contract is silent on this, it should be employer-paid. Raise it with HR in writing if you are being asked to pay.
Exit Visa Problem With Your Employer?
Whether your employer is refusing to issue an exit visa, cancelled it without cause or your visa expired while abroad — book a consultation for clear guidance on your specific situation and next steps.