KSA Expats Blog
Practical Saudi guides, news updates and explainers for expats living and working in the Kingdom.
Saudi Central Bank Updates Credit Card Regulations and Fees
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has recently introduced new regulations for the issuance, operation, and fees of credit cards. These updated rules aim to improve transparency and reduce…
Expired Visit Visas Can Now Be Extended for Final Departure: Jawazat
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced a new initiative allowing holders of expired visit visas in Saudi Arabia to extend their visas for the purpose of…
Saudi Arabia Launches New Digital Platform for Hajj Permits: Tasreeh
The Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), has launched a new digital platform called Tasreeh. This platform will make it easier…
Hajj 2025 Travel Restrictions for Expats in Saudi Arabia Explained
The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has announced important rules and procedures for the upcoming Hajj season 2025. These steps are taken to make sure everything runs…
How to Check Your Saudi Visa Status in 2025
If you’ve applied for a Saudi visa—whether it’s a work visa, family visit visa, tourist visa, Umrah visa, or any other type—it’s important to keep track of your…
300,000 New Job Opportunities in the Saudi Transport Sector
The Saudi transport sector is set to create 300,000 new job opportunities, according to the Chairman of the Public Transport Authority and Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics, Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih.…
Nusuk App Adds New Options for Praying at Rawdah Sharif
The Nusuk platform, operated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has introduced two new features to simplify the process for pilgrims to book and pray at Rawdah…
Exit/Re-Entry Visa Renewal Fee for Those on Vacation Has Been Doubled
A new regulation has come into effect in Saudi Arabia, doubling the fee for renewing the exit/re-entry visa of expatriates who are outside the Kingdom. Previously, the renewal…
What is a Free Visa (Azad Visa) in Saudi Arabia? Does It Really Exist?
If you’re planning to move to Saudi Arabia for work, you’ve probably come across the term “free visa” or “azad visa.” It’s a phrase that’s often talked about…
Iqama Renewal for Dependents and Domestic Workers Possible from Abroad
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced that expatriates’ dependents and domestic workers outside Saudi Arabia can now renew their residency permits (Iqama) through the online platforms…
New Fees for Iqama and Visa Services on Absher
The Absher Business platform has introduced new fees for residency and visa-related services provided to establishments, effective January 1, 2025. These charges apply to specific services and are…
Absher Launches New Service to Report Absconding Visit Visa Holders
The Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform has introduced a new service that enables residents to report cases of visit visa holders absconding after their visas have expired. This…