Arab News
Arab News, Wed, Apr 23, 2025 | Shawwal 25, 1446
Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation
Saudi Arabia:
As Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj 2025, the
Ministry of Interior on Tuesday warned that expatriates who fail to leave the
Kingdom 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 Arabia government has 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.
Welcoming the decision Osama Ghanem Alobaidy, a
law professor in Riyadh, told Arab News the ministry’s decision was “crucial” to
ensure visitors comply with the law.
“This move by the Ministry of Interior will help
deal with crowd management efficiently, and ensure the safety and security of
pilgrims during Hajj,” he added.
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.