Saudi Arabia announces new penalties for expats overstaying entry visas

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior has announced strict penalties for expatriates who fail to leave the kingdom after the expiration of their entry visas. Offenders may face fines of up to SR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and subsequent deportation.

The ministry reiterated the importance of complying with the Kingdom’s official Hajj and Umrah regulations, emphasizing that entry visas of all types—except for the Hajj visa—do not permit individuals to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

Citizens and residents are urged to report any violations of Hajj regulations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in all other regions.

Previously, the ministry also stated that Hajj and Umrah service providers who fail to report pilgrims overstaying their visas could face penalties of up to SR100,000.