How to Extend Exit and Re-Entry Visa Online via Absher Business

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) now allows business owners and their authorised agents to extend exit and re-entry visas for sponsored workers who are outside Saudi Arabia — entirely online through the Absher Business platform. This digital option simplifies travel planning for employers and expatriate employees and reduces the need for in-person visits to passport offices.

Who can use this service?

• Professional workers: Companies can extend exit and re-entry visas for employees working under a business sponsor via Absher Business.
• Domestic workers: Employers can renew exit and re-entry visas through the Absher Labour Services area.
• Family members: Sponsors can renew visas for family members using the Family Member Services on Absher.

For official guidelines and the latest announcements, consult the Ministry of Interior and General Directorate of Passports pages: Ministry of Interior and General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).

Step-by-step: Extend a worker's exit and re-entry visa (Absher Business)

1. Log in to your Absher Business account using your authorised credentials.
2. Go to My Business Services.
3. Navigate to Services → Visas.
4. Select the company facility, then choose the sponsored worker whose visa you wish to extend.
5. Click Exit and Re-entry Visa Extension, enter the updated return date and any required information.
6. Pay the extension fee using the available payment methods on Absher.
7. Confirm the application and track its status online until final approval.

Domestic workers and family members

For domestic workers, open Labor Services on Absher and follow Services → Visas. For family members, use Family Member Services → Services → Visas. The interface guides you through which sponsorship type and visa to select.

Visa validity, counting rules and grace periods

• Travel validity: If an exit and re-entry visa is issued for 60, 90, or 120 days, it is valid for travel within three months of issuance.
• Duration of stay: The permitted stay is normally counted from the date the traveller exits Saudi Arabia, not from the issuance date.
• Fixed-return visas: If the visa specifies a fixed number of days or a required return-by date, validity and counting start from the issuance date.
• Grace period: Recent regulatory updates introduced a grace period for overstayers. As of mid-2025, authorities issued a 30‑day grace period and subsequently extended it to a total of 60 days in certain circumstances to allow lawful exit. Check the Ministry of Interior or Jawazat for the latest status and applicability.

Fees, payment and key requirements

• Fees: Exit and re-entry visa extension fees typically range between SAR 200 and SAR 500, depending on visa type and extension duration. Visit visa renewals and other categories may carry different fees.
• Iqama validity: The sponsored individual's residence permit (Iqama) should be valid for at least 90 days to cover the extended visa period in many cases.
• Payment: All fees must be paid through Absher or the approved payment channels presented during the application.
• Documents: Ensure the worker's passport is valid for the required period and that sponsor and visa records match. Any outstanding issues must be resolved before extension (see below).

Why an extension might be denied

Applications can be rejected for several reasons. Common problems include:

• Pending traffic violations or unresolved fines on the sponsored person.
• Expired passport or insufficient passport validity.
• Discrepancies between sponsor records and the worker’s details.
• Outstanding deportation orders, entry bans, or other enforcement actions recorded against the worker.

If an application is denied, tackle the underlying issue (pay fines, renew the passport, or correct record mismatches) and reapply through Absher.

Practical tips for sponsors and agents

• Apply several days before the visa’s expiry — Absher undergoes occasional maintenance and peak-hour delays.
• Keep digital copies of the worker’s passport, Iqama, and previous visa pages to speed up the application process.
• Check the worker’s traffic and legal status via Absher or related e-services before paying fees.
• Use authorised Absher Business accounts only. Agents should have explicit authorisation to act on behalf of the company.

Related online resources

• Absher (individuals and business): https://www.absher.sa
• Ministry of Interior (official announcements): https://www.moi.gov.sa
• General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) e-services: https://www.gdp.gov.sa
• Ministry of Human Resources (labour rules & domestic worker information): https://hrsd.gov.sa

FAQs

Can an employer extend a visa if the worker is already abroad?

Yes. Employers or authorised agents can file extensions for sponsored workers who are outside Saudi Arabia through Absher Business.

How long before travel should I apply?

Apply at least a few days before the current visa expires. Allow additional time for payment processing and any corrections if errors are detected.

Will the worker receive a physical stamp in the passport?

Extensions are processed electronically and reflected in Jawazat records. However, travellers should carry a copy of the approved extension confirmation when traveling and check that airlines accept the electronic status.

Who can I contact for help?

Contact Absher support via the Absher portal, or visit the Ministry of Interior / General Directorate of Passports websites for official contact points and service centres.

Final reminder

The move to extend exit and re-entry visas electronically is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation to simplify expatriate services. Using Absher Business reduces paperwork and waiting times — but always verify eligibility, maintain valid Iqama and passport details, and resolve any outstanding fines before applying to avoid delays or rejections.

For official updates and service changes, bookmark the Ministry of Interior and Jawazat pages and check Absher before initiating any visa extension.