11 lakh fine, Saudi Arabia with warning to non-residents and visitors

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will take strict action against illegal Hajj pilgrims and overstayers. Saudi Arabian security agencies have stepped up action against illegally staying expatriates and Hajj pilgrims.

A fine of 10,000 Riyals (Rs 2,22,318.95) will be levied on persons caught without a Hajj permit. Moreover, if the workers stay in the country after the visa expires, the recruiters and employers who brought them will have to pay fines. The Saudi General Directorate of Public Security also said that if visitors fail to report that they have left the country on time, they may be fined up to 50,000 riyals (Rs 11,11,594.77) or imprisoned for six months. Violators will be deported.

Violations of residency, employment and border security laws can be reported through hotlines. For Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern Province, call 911 and for other parts of the country, call 999.

Saudi authorities have recently arrested thousands of foreigners for violating residency, employment and border security laws. The latest warning is part of a crackdown on illegal pilgrims ahead of the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage.

From May 23, holders of any type of visit visa are prohibited from entering or staying in Makkah until June 21. Saudi authorities also clarified that visit visas cannot be used as Hajj permits. The Saudi authorities also asked them to avoid traveling to Makkah during this period.