S/Arabia: Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation
As Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj 2025, the kingdom’s Ministry of Interior has warned that expatriates who fail to leave the country after their visas expire face heavy penalties. The ministry announced on X that expatriates may face fines of up to SR50,000 (about $13,000), imprisonment for up to six months, and/or deportation, the […]
Hajj
As Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj 2025, the kingdom’s Ministry of Interior has warned that expatriates who fail to leave the country after their visas expire face heavy penalties.
The ministry announced on X that expatriates may face fines of up to SR50,000 (about $13,000), imprisonment for up to six months, and/or deportation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Saudi Arabian government appealed to citizens and residents to ensure that their guests who arrived on visit or Umrah visas abide by the regulations.
“Visas of all types — with the exception of the Hajj visa — do not entitle their holder to perform the Hajj pilgrimage,” the ministry stated on X.
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Earlier this month, the ministry also warned Hajj and Umrah companies and establishments to adhere to the country’s laws and regulations.
The ministry said that companies or establishments that delay reporting individuals who have failed to leave will be fined up to SR100,000. The fine will be multiplied based on the number of individuals involved. (Arab News)