SaudiInfo Blogs

Many people working in Saudi Arabia believe they don’t have a contract. But the truth is — if you have a visa to work in Saudi Arabia, you must have a contract. Without a contract, your visa would not have been issued in the first place. Hidden Contracts and Forced Signatures When workers arrive in Saudi Arabia, the sponsor (known as Kafeel ) often makes them sign many documents. These documents might include insurance forms or employment-related papers. Sometimes, the worker is unaware of what they are signing — especially if the documents are in Arabic or English, which not everyone can fully understand. In some cases, people are pressured or even forced to sign papers they don’t agree with. This is how some workers later claim they have no contract, or that they didn’t sign anything important. However, in most cases, a contract does exist, even if the worker is unaware of it. From GOSI to QIWA – The Digital Shift Before the introduction of QIWA, contracts were managed under GOSI. ...

If you have been deported from Saudi Arabia, received an outpass , or your kafeel (sponsor) issued a kharooj (exit) for you, it's important to know what happens next  especially if you are planning to apply for a new work visa in the future. Saudi Arabia often gives a "grace period" after deportation or exit during which you can leave the country without facing additional penalties. However, before applying for any new visa , you must check whether you have a ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia —and if so, for how long . Here’s how you can check your ban status using three important papers : 1. The Matar Paper (مطار) The Matar Paper is used to check if: Your kafeel has imposed a ban on you. The Saudi government has officially placed a kharooj (exit) on you. This paper helps remove confusion about your exit status. Important note : If you print the Matar Paper during your blacklist period , it will permanently show that you are blacklisted even after your ban...

N akal kafala (transfer of sponsorship) can feel like an uphill battle. While laws exist to support fair labor practices, many workers still find themselves trapped by sponsors or companies who use loopholes and intimidation to block transfers. From making you sign blank papers, to filing false cases, or even putting a final exit visa on your record — these tactics are used to control and silence workers who simply want the freedom to work somewhere else.  The Truth About Nakal Kafala Many companies weaponize the system against workers, knowing they might not have legal knowledge or support. Here are the most common ways companies block kafala transfers : You unknowingly signed an empty or misleading document that they later use to claim you agreed to certain conditions. They or you have legal cases pending, which they use as a reason to halt any transfer. They apply for a final exit visa , even if you never agreed to leave. These are not just legal moves — they are...

As the 2025 Hajj season approaches, travelers arriving through Jeddah Airport should take note of newly announced travel and visa restrictions. These measures are being introduced to help manage the increasing number of visitors during this high-traffic period and to ensure public safety and compliance with religious regulations. 1. Transit Visa Holders (Category A) Travelers classified under Category A , who are eligible for a transit visa on arrival , will be subject to the following conditions: Mandatory Return Ticket : A return ticket must be presented in order to receive the visa. Restricted Access to Makkah : Travelers will be explicitly informed that they cannot enter Makkah unless they have: A valid Hajj permit , or An official Makkah entry permit These restrictions are being strictly enforced and are non-negotiable. 2. Umrah, Visit, and Work Visa Holders As of April 23, 2025 , travelers arriving via Jeddah Airport under the following visa categories will face ...

Many workers in Saudi Arabia face serious issues related to Haroob (runaway status) —sometimes without even realizing what went wrong. This post is to help expats, employees, and companies avoid confusion and understand the process better.  What is Haroob ? Haroob means that a worker is marked as "absent from work" in the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development system. Once a Haroob is reported, the worker is considered illegal and can face arrest, deportation, or bans. But did you know that sometimes Haroob is applied automatically —even when the company didn't report you?  When Haroob Happens Automatically This happens when: Your employment contract ends , And you don’t sign a new contract within a few days , And you stay in the Kingdom without a valid contract . In this situation, the system automatically applies Haroob after a short grace period—even if the company didn’t report you.  Is the Company Responsible? No, in such cases, the company i...

For many expats living in Saudi Arabia, bringing family members on a visit visa is an important priority. But the rules around family visit visas can be confusing and change often. Whether your family is already in Saudi Arabia or planning to come, here’s what you need to know to avoid problems, delays, and extra costs. For Families Already in Saudi Arabia If your family is in the Kingdom on a visit visa, your first option is to extend the visa through Absher , but only if all documents are valid. If the system allows it, go ahead and extend. However, if you run into any issues or the extension isn't possible, it’s best to send your family back before the visa expires to avoid fines or legal complications. Another option is exit and re-entry —this is possible if all paperwork is valid. But again, if it’s not, the only solution is to make sure your family exits the country on time. For Families Planning to Enter Saudi Arabia If your family is outside Saudi Arabia and already h...

If you are visiting Saudi Arabia on a work or visit visa, you don’t need to carry your passport everywhere. The Saudi government has made it easier to use services online through  Absher . Firstly You do not need an Absher account to use some important services. In this guide, I will explain how to use Absher in a simple and easy way. Border Number: When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you get a border number . This number is written in the passport system and is like a temporary ID for you. You can use this number to: See your visa details Get a digital iqama card  Check traffic fines Know if you are allowed to perform Hajj How to Find Your Border Number: Follow these steps: Go to the Absher website . Choose English . Click on Absher Individual . Scroll down and find Instant Services . Click on Visitor . Select Query Border Number . Click Start Service . Choose Non-GCC (if you are not from a Gulf country). Enter your Visa Number and Visa Iss...

  The United States has introduced major changes to its visa policies in 2025, affecting students, workers, and travelers from all over the world. Whether you're planning to study, build a career, or visit, it’s important to understand how these updates might impact you. Here's a clear and simple guide to the top 10 changes.  1. Student Visa Applications Facing Tighter Rules Applying for a student visa (F-1) has become more challenging. Visa officers are now demanding stronger evidence of financial stability and academic intent. There’s a noticeable rise in rejections, so preparation and documentation are more important than ever.  2. Unexpected Revocations for Minor Issues Even after visas are granted, they can be revoked without warning. Some students have lost their visas due to relatively minor infractions like traffic violations or paperwork errors. This has created a climate of uncertainty for current visa holders.  3. OPT Work Program May Be Discontinued ...

Fake news has been circulating on social media platforms, claiming that the family visit visa in Saudi Arabia will expire before or after April 13, 2025. This news has caused confusion and concern among many people who rely on these visas to make their families visit them in Saudi Arabia.  T his is nothing but fake news . Here's What You Need to Know: 1. No Visa Cancellations in Saudi Arabia Contrary to what some Facebook posts and other unverified sources are claiming, no such visa closure is happening in Saudi Arabia . The Saudi government has not issued any directives or announcements regarding the end of the family visit visa. If you're worried about your visa expiring or facing difficulties, remember that the government continues to issue and extend visit visas regularly, and any updates will be clearly communicated through official channels. 2. Addressing Visa Issues If you’ve encountered any difficulties or errors while applying for a visit visa, don’t panic. It's im...

GACA has implemented new policies regarding the Visit visa in Saudi Arabia in 2025. We will try to keep it as short as possible and list the changes that were brought out.  1)  When will Umrah visa holder enter the country?  Umrah visas holder can enter the country after 14 zilhaj. Umrah zahireens can also enter the country after 14 zilhaj. 2) Last day to enter Saudi Arabia? Umrah visa holders can enter the country until  15th of Shawal. After 16th no entry of Umrah visit visa holder will be allowed. 3) Last day to leave Saudi Arabia? Umrah zahireens with Umrah visas must leave the country before 1st of duh al'qidah 4) Penalties against Airlines not following orders? Any Aviation authority and airplane company will be penalized if these points are not followed by them  WARNING TO NON HAJJ PERMIT HOLDERS: Also Saudi Arabia has issued a warning to all people without permits for hajj that they would be given heavy fines if they visit the following places: These inc...

The Personal Life of Mohammed bin Salman: An Insight into Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has made headlines for his sweeping reforms, riches, and influence. As the effective ruler of Saudi Arabia, the personal life of MBS has been a source of fascination and intrigue. His life is a mix of family relationships, scandals, and extravagant investments that make him a fascinating character in the royal circle. Let's take a peek at the personal life of this influential leader and what it says about his life outside the headlines. Marriage and Family: A Traditional Marriage In 2008, Mohammed bin Salman wed Sara bint Mashour, his first cousin and the daughter of his paternal uncle. This marriage, while not unusual in royal circles, is part of a long tradition within the Saudi royal family, where cousin marriages are fairly common. MBS and Sara have five children together. Their names express strong familial ties, with the first fou...