As part of efforts to regulate the flow of visitors ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has warned that expatriates who overstay their visas will face up to $13,000 fine.
Violators could face fines of up to $13,000, jail-time for a period of six-months, and deportation after serving the prison term.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged Umrah visa holders to leave Mecca by April 29, to avoid being penalized.
It also reiterated that holders of visit visas are not entitled to perform Hajj, urging all expatriates and visitors to strictly comply with the terms of their visas and ensure timely departure from the country to avoid legal consequences.
These warnings come after Saudi Arabia introduced a series of measures to facilitate the application process for Hajj pilgrims and ensure that security and order is maintained during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
Among the measures are one that requires residents and citizens to obtain official permits to enter Mecca starting from April 23. Entry is limited to those with valid work permits for the holy sites, are residents of Mecca with proof of residency, or hold an official Hajj permit.
Meanwhile, the final date for Umrah visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia was April 13, and all Umrah pilgrims must leave the country by April 29.
Additionally, Hajj and Umrah service companies who fail to report pilgrims who violate their visas may incur fines up to $26,659 which can multiply depending on the number of violations.
Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and is required once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able.
This year, Hajj is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, June 6, and end on Wednesday, June 11.
Eid al-Adha will commence immediately after Hajj, starting on Sunday, June 8, depending on the moon sighting. It marks the culmination of the pilgrimage and is celebrated by Muslims around the world.
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Alarabiya News
