Foreign workers may be able to request a final exit visa online without first securing their employer’s approval.
However, this option mainly applies to eligible expatriate workers in the private sector. Domestic workers and other excluded categories follow different procedures.
Private-sector workers gained a direct option
Saudi Arabia introduced its Labor Reform Initiative in March 2021.
Under the reform, an expatriate private-sector worker may leave the Kingdom after the employment contract ends without the employer’s consent.
The request can be made through Saudi government digital services, including Absher and Qiwa.
The employer is then informed electronically about the worker’s request, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
This means an eligible OFW does not always need the employer to submit the request.
An employer may also issue a worker’s final exit visa online through Absher Business.
Online access does not cancel contract duties
The online option does not give a worker permission to ignore an active employment contract.
The ministry says a worker may bear financial or other consequences if the worker leaves before completing the contract or fails to follow its terms.
OFWs should check their contract status, notice period, unpaid obligations, and any pending labor case before applying.
Workers should also settle traffic fines and other government payments that could affect visa processing.
The General Directorate of Passports has advised that an Iqama must have enough remaining validity when a final exit visa is issued.
If the Iqama has fewer than 30 days remaining, it generally needs to be renewed first. Different visa periods may apply when the Iqama has between 30 and 60 days left, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Domestic workers follow a separate process
The Labor Reform Initiative covers expatriate workers in private-sector establishments, but it does not apply in the same way to domestic workers.
For a household worker, the employer or sponsor normally issues the final exit visa electronically.
Absher’s official service states that beneficiaries can issue final exit visas for family members or domestic workers through the Absher platform.
What OFWs should do before applying
Check whether your employment category is covered, review your Qiwa contract, and confirm that your passport and Iqama details are correct.
Do not leave unfinished salary, benefit, loan, bank, housing, or legal matters.
Because eligibility can depend on the worker’s record and contract status, foreign workers, including OFWs, should rely on the result shown in Absher or Qiwa and contact Saudi labor or passport authorities if the online request is unavailable.