Saudi Arabia has reiterated that fines of up to 100,000 riyals will be imposed on Hajj and Umrah service companies that fail to report pilgrims who overstay their authorised period in the Kingdom. The warning was issued by Public Security as part of a wider campaign against residency and labour violations.

According to the authority, the penalty applies to companies and establishments that delay notifying the competent authorities about any pilgrim or Umrah performer who remains in Saudi Arabia after the expiry of their permitted stay. The fine can reach the full 100,000 riyals and increases according to the number of overstayers who go unreported.

Placing responsibility on operators

The measure shifts a clear share of responsibility onto the licensed firms that arrange pilgrim travel. Rather than treating overstaying solely as an individual violation, the rules require service providers to act as a first line of oversight and to inform the authorities promptly when a pilgrim does not leave on time.

Public Security said the escalating structure of the fine is deliberate. A company that fails to report multiple overstayers faces a steeper financial penalty, creating a strong incentive for operators to monitor their clients closely throughout the Umrah season and to maintain accurate records of arrivals and departures.

Part of a broader crackdown

The reminder sits within a series of measures Saudi Arabia has introduced to protect the integrity of the Hajj and Umrah systems. In recent seasons the Kingdom has warned that individuals who overstay visit visas can face fines, jail terms and deportation, and that those who perform Hajj without a permit risk penalties and multi-year re-entry bans.

Public Security urged members of the public to report violations of residency, labour and border security regulations. It provided dedicated numbers for doing so, directing callers to 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. The authority added that all reports would be handled with complete confidentiality and that informants would bear no legal liability.

Why the rules matter

Overstaying places pressure on the carefully managed capacity of the two holy cities, particularly as the Kingdom seeks to expand the number of pilgrims it can host each year. Unreported overstayers can also fall into irregular status, losing access to legal protections and services. By holding operators accountable, the authorities aim to keep the pilgrimage system orderly and transparent.

Enforcement backed by public reporting

A notable feature of the campaign is the role given to ordinary residents. By inviting the public to report violations and guaranteeing confidentiality, the authorities extend oversight beyond official inspectors. The message is that protecting the pilgrimage system is a shared responsibility, and that firms cannot rely on violations going unnoticed.

Saudi Arabia has steadily tightened the framework around Hajj and Umrah in recent years, pairing higher penalties with clearer duties for licensed operators. Separate rules have set fines for illegal Hajj housing and for performing the pilgrimage without a permit. The reminder on overstayers fits this pattern of layered enforcement, in which each stage of the pilgrim journey carries defined obligations and consequences for those who ignore them.

Practical tips for pilgrims and operators

  • Know your exit date: Pilgrims should confirm the exact expiry of their authorised stay and plan departure well in advance.
  • Keep operators informed: Notify your Umrah company promptly of any change to travel plans so they can update the authorities.
  • Operators should track clients: Firms should maintain up-to-date records and report any overstay without delay to avoid escalating fines.
  • Use official channels: Any concerns about status or documentation should be raised through licensed providers and the Nusuk platform.

According to Public Security, the enforcement drive reflects Saudi Arabia's determination to preserve the safety and organisation of the pilgrimage while ensuring that all who enter the Kingdom to worship do so within the law.