Introduction: Cancel Dependent Iqama
Your dependents are living outside Saudi Arabia and do not plan to return. You might think this does not affect you but it actually creates serious problems. In this article I will explain exactly why you must cancel their Iqama and what happens if you do not. This information is crucial for anyone sponsoring family members in Saudi Arabia.
What Happens When Dependent Stays Outside KSA
When your dependent stays outside Saudi Arabia after their exit re-entry visa expires. Their status changes to outside the Kingdom. Many people think this is fine and nothing needs to be done. This is a big mistake. If you do not take action and serious problems will start happening.
Important Info Box
Critical Information About Dependent Iqama Cancellation:
- Dependent Iqama cancellation protects your Iqama renewal
- Monthly dependent fees continue if Iqama is not canceled
- Your Iqama renewal will be blocked without action
- Not canceling can prevent you from leaving Saudi Arabia
- The longer you wait, the more fees you will pay
- System connects dependent Iqama to sponsor Iqama permanently
- Only final exit visa stops the monthly charges
- This affects travel, job change and important paperwork
Problem 1: Your Iqama Renewal Gets Blocked
Here is the biggest problem. When your Iqama is about to expire you need to renew it. The government system checks all your dependents. If one of your dependents is still listed and they are outside KSA without a final exit visa. The system says no to your renewal request.
This means you cannot renew your Iqama. Without a renewed Iqama, you cannot work, you cannot get paid and you cannot access government services. Your entire life in Saudi Arabia stops. This is why canceling dependent Iqama is so important.
The system is designed this way because the government wants to make sure all dependents have proper status before the sponsor renews. It is protection system but it can cause problems if you do not know about it.
Problem 2: Paying Monthly Dependent Fees Forever
Every month you pay a dependent fee for each person listed under your Iqama. The amount varies but usually it is around 400 to 500 SR per dependent per month. Now multiply this by 12 months and by number of years your dependent stays outside.
If your dependent is outside for two years without getting a final exit. You will pay about Approx. 9,600 to 12,000 SR just in fees alone. This is money wasted for a person not even in Saudi Arabia. By canceling the Iqama and issuing a final exit visa. You stop this monthly charge immediately.
Problem 3: Exit Re-Entry Visa Expires and Complications Start
Your dependent left Saudi Arabia on an exit re-entry visa. This visa has expiry date. After that date your dependent is officially outside KSA without any valid visa or status. The clock starts ticking for problems.
If the dependent does not get a final exit visa within a reasonable time, their legal status becomes unclear. This can cause issues when they try to travel, apply for new visas or even when they come back to Saudi Arabia later. It is much better to issue a final exit immediately after the re-entry visa expires.
Problem 4: You Cannot Get Final Exit Yourself
If you are also planning to leave Saudi Arabia. you might want to get a final exit visa for yourself. But here is the problem. The system will not let you get a final exit if you have dependents without proper status.
The government says all dependents must have clear status before the sponsor can leave. If one dependent is still listed as pending outside KSA, your own final exit application gets rejected. You are stuck in Saudi Arabia until you resolve the dependent situation.
This is why action is required before you plan your own departure.
Solution: Issue Final Exit Visa for Dependent
The solution is simple but must be done correctly. You need to cancel the dependent Iqama by issuing them a final exit visa. This process tells the government system that your dependent is officially leaving Saudi Arabia permanently.
Once the final exit is issued, several good things happen:
- Your Iqama renewal becomes possible
- Monthly dependent fees stop immediately
- Your dependent has clear legal status
- You can get your own final exit later if needed
- No confusion or legal issues happen in future
- Your dependent can travel without worries
Special Case: If You Are Also Leaving Same Year
If you decide to leave Saudi Arabia in the same year as your dependent. You do not need to issue a separate final exit for them. When you apply for your own final exit visa. Your dependent will automatically receive theirs at the same time through the system.
This is called automatic dependent exit visa. You only need to submit your own application and the system takes care of the dependents. This saves time and paperwork. However, the dependent must not have any outstanding fines or legal issues.
Important: The 3-Year Ban Does Not Apply to Dependents
Many people worry about the three-year ban that applies to exit re-entry visas. If you use exit re-entry visa and do not return within the time. You cannot come back for three years. But here is good news for dependents.
This three-year ban does NOT apply to dependents. Only the head of family faces this restriction. Your dependent can leave on final exit and come back whenever they want to Saudi Arabia, even the next week. They just need a new visa when they return.
This is important to know because it makes the decision easier. Your dependent is not stuck anywhere forever.
Bottom Line
Canceling your dependent Iqama by issuing a final exit visa is not optional. It is necessary to protect your own Iqama renewal and stop wasting money on monthly fees. The process is now simple and completely online. Follow the steps carefully, avoid common mistakes and your dependent will have clear legal status within two weeks.
Remember this affects your life in Saudi Arabia directly. Take action today not tomorrow.
Stay updated
Follow us for latest Guides:
✅ WhatsApp Channel
☑️ Telegram Channel
Related Articles:
