Saudi Arabia: 6-Month Jail Term and SR50,000 Fine for Failing to Report Visit Visa Holders' Timely Departure

The Saudi Public Security has issued a warning that individuals who obtain visit visas for others will face severe penalties, including up to six months in jail and fines up to SR50,000 if they fail to notify authorities about the visa holder's overstay. Expatriate violators will also face deportation.

This directive is part of broader measures ensuring visit visa holders leave the Kingdom before their visas expire. Additionally, visit visa holders will be prohibited from entering or staying in Makkah from May 23 to June 21 and are not permitted to perform Hajj.

The public is encouraged to report residency, labor, and border security violations by calling toll-free numbers 911 (for Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province) or 999 (for other regions).

Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior will impose SR10,000 fines on violators, including citizens, expatriates, and visitors, entering Makkah without a Hajj permit between June 2 and June 20. These fines apply to those found in restricted areas such as the Central Haram Area and the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

News Source: The Saudi Gazette