In 2026, Saudi Arabia increased its enforcement of visa and residency control. There are digital systems for tracking any residency overstays, expired Iqamas, and unresolved travel prohibitions.
According to the latest crackdown initiated by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), violators, and even sponsors, could face a fine of SAR 50,000, imprisonment, and deportation. Regular checking of one’s visa status has now become a requirement.
How to Check Your Iqama Expiry Date via Absher?
One can easily monitor their Iqama expiration via the official Absher portal.
First of all, you need to log in to the official platform either on the web site or in the mobile app by typing your Iqama number and password. Then you need to confirm your login with NAFATH verification.
Afterward, go to the Absher dashboard menu and open “My Services,” then go to “General Services” and press “Query Iqama Expiry Service.” Entering your Iqama number, captcha, and confirming your login, you will be able to see your residency expiration data.
How to Verify Travel Prohibition via Absher?
Several reasons might result in issuing a Saudi travel prohibition, among which are unpaid fines, labor disputes, visa overstays, or legal claims.
To check whether you have a travel ban or not, you need to enter your account on the Absher website/mobile app, and go to “Passport Services” and select the “Queries” option. Choose “Travel Ban Inquiry” or “General Status Query.”
If there is no problem with you, the service will automatically confirm that there is no such ban. Otherwise, it will show you the name of the government agency that imposed it.
Why SAR 50,000 Fine Can Be Imposed on Visitors?
Saudi Arabia officials noted that people are not the only legal subjects who might be held responsible.
For instance, a sponsor who does not inform the local authorities of overstaying visitors can be fined up to SAR 50,000, sent to jail for up to six months, and even deported if they are a foreigner themselves. Repeat overstayers may be subjected to additional penalties and even imprisonment.
Moreover, business organizations have become subject to strict scrutiny too. Companies who do not control residency expiration dates of their employees or commercial visa holders are fined. Moreover, the suspension of the company’s activity is also possible in cases when companies hire seasonal foreign workers.
NAFATH Authentication Becomes Mandatory for Absher Login
Since without NAFATH login one is not able to enter sensitive services and receive the information one needs about his/her current residence and visa status, it is advised to update the program and keep it connected with one’s phone number. These additional security measures are needed to avoid fraud.
Steps that Expatriates Need to Take Before Traveling
Before buying tickets to another country, residents should make sure that their Iqama and visas have no expiration date and there is no other travel restriction placed on them.
People usually find out about fines or other problems with immigration only upon arrival at the airport. That might cause flight cancellation and unnecessary delays and inconveniences. One is recommended to make Absher checks regularly – monthly, preferably.
FAQs
Is there any way to check my Iqama expiration?
You can check your Iqama expiration by logging into the Absher app and going to ‘General Services’ and ‘Iqama Expiry Service’ to find his information.
What would cause someone to have a travel ban placed against them?
Travel bans could be placed against someone for unpaid debt; being involved in legal disputes; making a labour complaint; overstaying your visa; or if there have been any unaddressed immigration violations.
How much is the fine (if any) for overstaying a visa in Saudi Arabia?
You could face up to SAR 50,000 in finding, imprisonment and deportation due to serious or repeated offenses from authorities.
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