As preparations intensify for the upcoming Hajj season, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has reiterated its firm stance on penalizing expatriates who overstay their entry visas. The renewed warning comes as part of a broader national effort to regulate visitor flow and maintain order during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Under current regulations, expatriates who remain in the Kingdom after their visa expires face serious consequences, including:
- Fines of up to SR50,000
- Imprisonment for up to six months
- Deportation following the completion of any jail sentence
Authorities stressed that visit visa holders are strictly prohibited from performing Hajj and urged all visitors to adhere to the terms of their visas, ensuring timely departure to avoid legal repercussions.
New Measures for Hajj 2025
In addition to the existing penalties, Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of measures aimed at enhancing security and logistical control:
- Permit requirements for Mecca entry: Starting April 23, 2025, entry into Mecca will be limited to individuals holding valid work permits at the holy sites, residents of Mecca, or official Hajj permits.
- Umrah visa deadlines: The last date for Umrah visa holders to enter the Kingdom was April 13, 2025. All pilgrims on Umrah visas must leave Saudi Arabia by April 29, 2025.
- Penalties for service providers: Hajj and Umrah service companies that fail to report pilgrims overstaying their visas may face fines of up to SR100,000 per violation.
These policies are part of an ongoing strategy to safeguard public safety and preserve the sanctity of the holy sites during the pilgrimage.
The ministry also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any violations or suspicious activities. Citizens and residents can call 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 and 996 in other areas of the Kingdom.
