How overstay fines work in the Gulf
Every Gulf country fines people who stay after their residence or visit visa ends. Most count a fixed amount for each day after the expiry date, some after a short grace period, and some cap the total. The fine is usually paid before you can renew, leave or change status, and long overstays can lead to deportation and a ban on returning.
| Country | Expired residence | Visit visa overstay |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Iqama not renewed on time: 500 SAR the first time, 1,000 SAR the second, deportation the third | Up to 50,000 SAR, up to 6 months in prison and deportation |
| UAE | 50 AED a day | 50 AED a day |
| Kuwait | 2 KD a day for the first month, then 4 KD a day, up to 1,200 KD | 10 KD a day, up to 2,000 KD |
| Qatar | 10 QAR a day after 14 days | 200 QAR a day |
| Oman | 10 OMR a day | 10 OMR a day |
In Saudi Arabia the employer renews the iqama and pays the late fine for workers. For family members the head of the family is responsible. Check the exact amount in Absher before you pay.
Bahrain
Bahrain also fines overstays, but we could not confirm the current daily rate from an official source, so it is not in the calculator. Ask the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs office (npra.gov.bh).
Frequently asked questions
Is the day of expiry counted?
No. We count the days after the expiry date up to the day you settle. Authorities may count slightly differently, so treat the result as an estimate.
Can the fine be waived?
Gulf countries sometimes announce amnesties that cancel fines for people who leave or regularise their status. Watch official announcements, and do not pay agents who promise to remove a fine.
Who pays the fine for a worker?
In Saudi Arabia the employer pays the late iqama fine. Elsewhere it depends on who caused the delay; a worker can complain to the labour ministry if the employer did not renew the residence.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.