Saudi Arabia sets rules for final exit visas for domestic workers during probation

Dubai: Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports has implemented new rules enabling employers to issue final exit visas for domestic workers during their 90-day probationary period, even without prior residency permits. The process is conducted via the Absher platform, allowing employers to finalize exit procedures for qualifying domestic workers within the probationary period.

Eligibility criteria include the worker not being registered as deceased or absent, being physically present in Saudi Arabia, having no outstanding traffic violations, and possessing a passport valid for at least 60 days. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development requires a written employment contract, which may include a probationary period of up to 90 days.

This period enables employers to evaluate the worker's professional competence and behavior before transitioning to a permanent employment arrangement. Both parties retain the unilateral right to terminate the contract during the probationary period. A domestic worker cannot undergo probation with the same employer more than once unless both parties consent to a different role from the initial probationary period.

Saudi Arabia permits the transfer of foreign workers from companies to individuals, with three-month iqama renewals for domestic workers and updated labor laws for agricultural workers.