Islamabad/Riyadh: As the Hajj season approaches, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning to expatriates and visitors: comply with visa regulations or face severe penalties.
Under the new enforcement measures, individuals who overstay their visas could face fines of up to SR 50,000 (approximately Rs. 3,743,521 or Rs 37 lac), imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation.
The government’s statement highlighted the importance of respecting visa terms and ensuring timely departure from the Kingdom.
The Ministry made it clear that individuals on visit visas are strictly prohibited from performing Hajj, a regulation designed to manage the large influx of pilgrims while maintaining public safety during the sacred event.
Effective immediately, Saudi authorities are tightening access to the holy city of Mecca.
Entry to Mecca will be restricted to residents holding local IDs, workers assigned to the holy sites, and pilgrims with valid Hajj permits.
Additionally, Umrah pilgrims must comply with updated travel timelines.
All Umrah visa holders were required to arrive in Saudi Arabia by April 13, 2025, and must leave the country by April 29, 2025, just one week away.
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To further reinforce the new rules, responsibility has been shifted to service providers.
Companies that fail to report overstaying pilgrims will face fines of up to SR 100,000 (approximately Rs. 7,487,043 or Rs 74 lac)), with penalties escalating based on the number of violations reported.
The message from Saudi authorities is clear: strict visa enforcement will be in place, particularly during this crucial religious period.
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Visitors are urged to adhere to the conditions of their visas to avoid harsh consequences, and service providers are urged to ensure compliance or risk facing significant financial penalties.
