RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced stringent penalties for foreigners who overstay their visas as the kingdom prepares for the upcoming Hajj season. The Ministry of Interior warned on Tuesday that individuals who fail to leave after their visa expires could face fines up to SR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and/or deportation.
Authorities have urged citizens and residents to ensure that their guests, who arrived on visit or Umrah visas, comply with the visa rules. The ministry clarified that all types of visas, except the Hajj visa, do not allow the holder to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
The warning follows previous reminders to Hajj and Umrah companies to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations. The ministry also cautioned companies and establishments that fail to report visa overstayers on time could face fines of up to SR100,000 per individual.
As Saudi Arabia finalizes arrangements for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, over 2 million pilgrims are expected to arrive in the kingdom. Pakistan has been allotted approximately 179,000 seats for Hajj this year, though due to issues with private tour operators, the country will now only be able to avail around 110,000 seats.
