If a case is filed against you in India while you live in Saudi Arabia, you can seek anticipatory bail and, where the FIR is an abuse of process, ask the High Court to quash it. Your advocate acts through a vakalatnama signed in the Kingdom. If a Look Out Circular has been issued, it can be challenged before you travel, so that you can return to your job on time.
- Document route
- Saudi notary (including Najiz e-notarisation), then apostille from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or signing at the Indian mission
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 ahead of Saudi time all year (no daylight saving)
- Anticipatory bail
- BNSS 482 (CrPC 438)
- Quashing
- BNSS 528 (CrPC 482)
Criminal Defence & Look Out Circulars from Saudi Arabia: how it works
We obtain the FIR and check the offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with old IPC equivalents, any summons or warrant, and whether an LOC is in force. A pre-arrest bail application is filed under the BNSS provision that replaced section 438 CrPC, with interim protection sought so that you can join investigation safely during leave.
Where the case is baseless or settled, we ask the High Court to quash it under section 528 BNSS. We also deal with passport impounding and permission to travel back to Saudi Arabia, which is crucial for keeping your job and Iqama. Visits are planned around your exit and re-entry visa so that court dates and travel fit together. We give you a short note of the court's orders to carry with you, which helps if an immigration officer asks questions on arrival or departure.
What clients in Saudi Arabia should know
- An LOC can prevent you from leaving India after a visit, putting your Saudi job at risk; check before travelling.
- Cheque bounce complaints often settle with a payment plan approved by the court.
- Matrimonial settlements should be recorded so the High Court can quash the FIR.
Step by step from Saudi Arabia
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Saudi Arabia, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Saudi Arabia
Saudi notary (including Najiz e-notarisation), then apostille from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or signing at the Indian mission
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Saudi Arabia where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Saudi Arabia. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Criminal Defence & Look Out Circulars, or see all services for clients in Saudi Arabia and the Disputes & Enforcement practice area.
Questions from clients in Saudi Arabia
Can I seek anticipatory bail from Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Courts hear such applications, typically requiring you to join investigation when you arrive.
Will I be stopped at the airport?
Only if an LOC or warrant exists. We check before you travel.
My passport was impounded during my last visit. What now?
We apply to the court or passport authority for its release or for permission to travel.