May 24, Kathmandu - Saudi Arabia has issued exit visas to 63 Nepali nationals residing illegally in the country. The Saudi authorities issued these visas to make it easier for them to return home. The Nepali Embassy in Riyadh has urged those who have received exit visas to return to Nepal as soon as possible.

Many Nepali workers remain in Saudi Arabia beyond their work visa validity, with their exit permits (Iqamah) expired, yet they continue to stay illegally. Without an approved exit visa, they are not permitted to leave the country.

Following the Embassy's request, the Saudi government has been issuing exit visas to those whose Ikamah has expired. As of Sunday, 26 Nepali nationals have received their exit visas, according to a statement from the Nepali Embassy.

The Embassy has advised those whose mobile messages do not show an exit visa to contact the embassy and carry their exit permit papers when traveling. "If you receive a message on your mobile indicating that the exit visa has been issued, you can show this message at the airport to leave the country. There is no need to visit the embassy for the exit paper," the Embassy clarified.

The process of obtaining an exit visa is free of charge. However, individuals are responsible for arranging their own return tickets to Nepal after receiving the visa.