If you’ve left Saudi Arabia, you might be wondering if you’re on some kind of blacklist, right?
It’s totally normal to be curious, especially when you’re working in a foreign place.
Now, understanding this whole blacklisting thing can be a bit confusing, but it’s super important if you want to know what’s up with your immigration status.
Figuring out these procedures helps clear up any uncertainties and makes sure your time in the Kingdom goes smoothly.
In this guide, I’ve shared the details so you can ease those worries about being blacklisted in Saudi Arabia and stay in the know.
Reasons Leading to Blacklisting in Saudi Arabia
To ease your worries, let’s look at the top three reasons why someone might get blacklisted in Saudi Arabia.
1. Check for Criminal Activities in Saudi Arabia
If you’re involved in criminal activities, it could get you blacklisted.
To see if you’re in the clear, you need to grasp the Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia.
If someone officially complains about you for any of the activities listed here: (Deportation from Saudi Arabia – Can Expats Return After Deportation?) it might mean a lifetime ban – preventing you from coming back.
2. Check for Huroob Status
If your sponsor says you’ve disappeared (Huroob) by not showing up for work, authorities might be on the lookout for you.
If they catch you, you could end up in a detention center, get fingerprinted, and be processed for deportation and you will be blacklisted, which is not good.
Understand the duration of the ban in case of deportation due to Huroob
Now, if you’ve been declared a Huroob, the length of the ban depends on the violation:
- If you had an exit re-entry visa but didn’t come back, you might get a three-year ban and a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals. – Saudi Gazette
- If your boss reports you for being absent, you could face a lifetime ban, meaning you can’t come back.
- If your case involves crimes or damaging your sponsor’s stuff, that’s also a lifetime ban, covering all kinds of visas.
But sometimes, there’s something called ‘False Huroob,’ where your sponsor might say you disappeared when you didn’t.
You need to file a case, it might help you set things straight.
3. Check for Exit Re-Entry Visa Violations
Make sure to follow the rules for your exit re-entry visa.
If you don’t come back within the visa’s allowed time, you might get blacklisted.
Now, if you run away without coming back, there’s a new rule – you could automatically get banned.
So, it’s important to stick to the timelines.
How to Check If You Are Blacklisted in Saudi Arabia?
Currently, there isn’t an online method provided by the government for individuals to check their blacklist status.
However, there are two alternative methods:
- If you have a connection at Jawazaat (such as a relative or friend), you can ask them to inquire about your status using your iqama number.
- Another method involves a certain level of risk: when your new visa arrives and you go to the embassy for stamping. If you’re not blacklisted, they will proceed with stamping; otherwise, they won’t.
It’s important to note that this method carries some uncertainty and is not foolproof.
Blacklisting Concerns and Ministry’s Authority
People might be anxious about getting blacklisted, especially if they’ve had disagreements with their sponsor when getting a final exit.
The Ministry of Interior is the boss when it comes to entry bans.
Sponsors can’t just decide on their own to blacklist someone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a deported expat work in other GCC countries?
Usually, yes. Deportation for issues like illegal work allows seeking employment elsewhere in the GCC. However, if deported for a criminal offense, entry into other GCC countries may be restricted due to shared fingerprints data.
Wrap-Up
So, this guide is here to help you understand what’s up with blacklisting in Saudi Arabia.
Knowing why it happens and being aware of the rules will help you handle things smoothly and follow the laws of Saudi Arabia.
And for the most recent info on checking if you’re blacklisted in Saudi Arabia online, keep an eye on the official government announcements.
They’ve got the latest scoop.