Can Saudi employers block exit and re-entry?
Since 14 March 2021, private sector expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia can request exit and re-entry and final exit visas without employer approval. Domestic workers are not covered.
- HRSD says private sector expatriate workers can travel outside the Kingdom after submitting a request, without employer approval, and the employer is notified electronically.1
- HRSD says workers can obtain a final exit visa after the contract ends without employer consent, and bear any financial consequences of ending the contract.1
- Requests are made through the Absher app and the Qiwa portal, according to HRSD.1
- Under Article 40 of the Labor Law, the employer bears the fees for exit and re-entry visas.2
- Gulf News reported, citing HRSD, that the reforms do not cover domestic workers, including chauffeurs, gardeners and home guards.3
Sources
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launches the Labor Reform Initiative
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development Article (40): Fees and costs borne by the employer
- Gulf News Saudi Arabia: Domestic workers excluded from labour reforms