Saudi Arabia: Six Months in Prison, SR50,000 Fine for Visit Visa Rule Violators

Saudi security agencies have issued a stern warning that any delays in reporting the departure of visit visa holders after their visas have expired will result in strict penalties, as the kingdom continues its crackdown on illegal expatriates.

The Saudi General Directorate of Public Security announced that failure to report the timely departure of visitors can lead to fines of up to SR50,000 or imprisonment for up to six months. Expatriates found in violation will be deported.

In a post on X, the directorate mentioned that violations of the kingdom’s residency, labour and border security laws can be reported via hotlines: 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other areas of the kingdom.

In recent months, Saudi Arabia has reported the arrest of thousands of illegal foreigners in nationwide campaigns targeting violators of its residency, labour and border security regulations. The latest warning comes amid a heightened crackdown on irregular pilgrims ahead of next month’s annual Islamic Haj pilgrimage in and around the holy city of Mecca.

Starting May 23, holders of all types of visit visas are prohibited from entering or residing in Mecca for one month. Saudi authorities have clarified that visit visas do not serve as Haj permits and have urged visa holders not to travel to Mecca during the period ending June 21.

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