Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has clarified the procedures for issuing a Final Exit Visa in cases where an expatriate resident has passed away and their Iqama has already expired.
The clarification came in response to a public inquiry submitted through Jawazat’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. The authority confirmed that a Final Exit Visa cannot be issued if the deceased resident’s Iqama has expired. Instead, the sponsor or authorized representative must first complete the Iqama renewal process before applying for the final exit procedures. (Absher)
According to Jawazat, a valid Iqama is one of the essential requirements for processing a Final Exit Visa, even in cases involving deceased expatriates. Once the residency permit has been renewed and all applicable legal requirements have been fulfilled, the Final Exit Visa can then be issued through the prescribed procedures. (Absher)
Why This Clarification Matters
This guidance is particularly important for families, sponsors, and employers handling the legal affairs of a deceased expatriate. Delays or misunderstandings regarding residency status can complicate administrative procedures, making it essential to ensure that the Iqama remains valid before initiating the final exit process.
Key Points
- A deceased expatriate’s Iqama must be valid before a Final Exit Visa can be issued.
- If the Iqama has expired, it must be renewed first.
- The sponsor or authorized representative is responsible for completing the necessary legal formalities.
- After renewal and compliance with all regulations, the Final Exit Visa can be processed through Jawazat’s electronic services. (Absher)
Saudi authorities continue to emphasize the importance of following official residency and immigration procedures to ensure that all services are completed in accordance with the Kingdom’s regulations.
