Whether you are planning a trip home, a business journey, or a family vacation, the last thing anyone wants is to be stopped at the airport. In Saudi Arabia, travel bans can be put in place for various legal and financial reasons. This blog talks in details about the different ways a resident or a citizen, can check for a travel ban in Saudi Arabia
If you are a resident or citizen, it is crucial to check your status well before booking your flight. Thankfully, the Saudi government has made this process simple and quick using its main digital platforms.
This guide will walk you through the easiest ways to check for a travel ban in Saudi Arabia using official government services, ensuring your travel plans go smoothly.
How to check travel ban in Saudi Arabia via the Absher Platform
For most people, the official Absher platform is the fastest and most convenient method to check for any travel ban in Saudi Arabia. Absher is the primary online portal for Saudi citizens and residents to access various government services.
If you have a valid Iqama (residency permit) or National ID, and have registered for an Absher account, you can perform this check instantly from your phone or computer.
Step-by-Step Check Using Absher
- Go to the Absher Portal: Open the official Absher website or use the Absher mobile application.
- Log In: Log into your individual account using your username (or ID number) and password.
- Find the Service: Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Services’ section. You may need to look under ‘Passport Services’ or ‘General Services.’
- Access the Report: Look for a service titled:
- “Query Generalization Report”
- “Service Suspension and Travel Restrictions”
This “Generalization Report” is the key. It provides information about any legal cases, financial obligations, or official restrictions including travel bans registered against your Iqama or ID number.
Check the Status: The system will quickly run a check against your records. If no travel ban or legal proceedings are registered against you, the report will state that you are clear. If a restriction exists, it will show the details of the ban, including the authority that issued it.
Travel Ban in Saudi Arabia due to Legal Cases – The Najiz Portal
Sometimes, a travel ban is the result of a pending court case, an unsettled financial dispute, or a labor issue. The Ministry of Justice’s Najiz portal allows you to check for any active legal proceedings that might lead to a travel restriction.
This method is highly recommended if you have been involved in a civil, labor, or debt-related dispute.
When to Use Najiz:
- Debt or Financial Claims: If a bank, creditor, or private individual has filed a legal claim against you for unpaid debts.
- Labor Disputes: If there is an unresolved case with your current or previous employer.
- Court Proceedings: If you were required to attend court but failed to do so.
By logging into the Najiz platform (using your Absher credentials), you can search for any cases registered under your name. If you find an active case, it is a strong indication that a travel ban may be in place until the issue is resolved.
The Traditional Method, In-Person Visits
If you are unable to access the online portals or if you require more detailed information about an existing ban, you can visit the relevant government department in person.
- For General Immigration Bans: Visit the Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) office in your city. Present your Iqama or passport to the officer and ask them to check your travel status in the system.
For Court-Issued Bans: If you suspect the ban is due to a financial or legal case, visit the Court that handled your case. A court officer can confirm the status and the necessary steps to lift the ban.
Why Travel Bans Are Imposed and How to Avoid Them
A travel ban is a serious measure, usually put in place to ensure that an individual remains in the country to face a legal process or fulfill an obligation. The most common reasons include:
- Unpaid Financial Obligations: This is the most frequent cause. It includes defaulted bank loans, credit card debt, bounced cheques, or large unpaid private debts.
- Legal Cases: Being the subject of an ongoing criminal, civil, or commercial lawsuit. The ban ensures you cannot leave before the case is concluded or a verdict is enforced.
- Labor Violations (Huroob): For expatriates, having an expired Iqama or being officially reported as a “runaway worker” (Huroob) by your employer will result in an immediate travel and services ban.
- Expired Residency: Failing to renew your Iqama or exit visa on time.
- Unpaid Traffic Fines: Although less common for a full travel ban, a significant accumulation of traffic fines may restrict some services.
Conclusion
Checking your travel status is an essential part of responsible travel planning in Saudi Arabia. Make it a habit to check the Absher portal a few weeks before any intended trip.
If you discover a travel ban, do not panic or ignore it. The ban will remain in place until the underlying issue whether it is a debt, a legal case, or a visa violation is fully resolved. If a ban is confirmed, your next step should be to immediately consult with a legal professional in Saudi Arabia to understand the exact nature of the restriction and the necessary steps to have it lifted.
Happy travels!