Saudi Arabia Issues Strict Visa Overstay Warning Before Hajj

Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning regarding visa overstays during the Hajj season. Expatriates and visitors who remain beyond their permitted time face fines of up to USD 13,000, imprisonment, and deportation. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requires Umrah visas to exist in Mecca by April 29 to avoid penalties.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has warned all expatriates and visitors that those who overstay their visas during the Hajj season will face strict legal consequences.

The announcement is part of broader efforts to manage the flow of pilgrims and maintain order during the upcoming Hajj.

Under the new enforcement guidelines, violators may be fined up to USD 13,000, imprisoned for up to six months, and deported after serving their sentence.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has instructed all Umrah visa holders to exit Mecca by April 29 to avoid penalties.

The ministry has also reminded the public that visa holders for visit purposes are not allowed to perform Hajj.

It urged all visitors to respect the terms of their entry permits and to leave the country on time.

To support crowd management and security during the Hajj, authorities have implemented several regulations. As of April 23, only individuals with valid permits will be permitted to enter Mecca.

These include Mecca residents with documented proof, workers assigned to the holy sites, and individuals holding official Hajj permits.

The final entry date for Umrah pilgrims was April 13. All Umrah visa holders must leave Saudi Arabia by April 29. As per the official statement by SPA, “The Ministry of Interior has announced that expatriates who fail to leave the Kingdom after their entry visa expires may face a fine of up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months and deportation.”

Hajj and Umrah service companies are also under security. If they fail to report pilgrims who violate their visa terms, they may face fines of up to USD 26,659. The penalty may increase depending on the number of recorded violations.

Hajj is a major annual religious event in Islam, mandatory once in a lifetime for physically and financially capable Muslims. This year, it is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, July 6, and end on Wednesday, July 11.

Eid al Adha, which marks the end of Hajj, is anticipated to start on Sunday, June 8, subject to the sighting of the moon. Muslims worldwide observe the festival.

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