Saudi authorities have confirmed that fines of up to SR100,000 will be imposed on Hajj and Umrah service companies that fail to report pilgrims who overstay their authorised period in the Kingdom. According to the Public Security directorate, cited by the Saudi Press Agency, the penalty targets firms that delay notifying the competent authorities about pilgrims who remain after their permitted stay has ended.

The measure is the latest in a series of steps aimed at tightening oversight of the pilgrimage sector and reducing the number of visitors who remain in the country illegally.

What the rule covers

The penalty applies to Hajj and Umrah service companies and establishments that fail to promptly inform the authorities when a pilgrim or Umrah performer stays beyond the expiry of their authorised period. Officials said the financial penalty could reach SR100,000, and would increase according to the number of overstayers who are not reported.

The rule places clear responsibility on licensed operators. Companies that arrange travel, accommodation and services for pilgrims are expected to track their clients and alert the authorities without delay when someone does not leave on time. Firms that stay silent now face significant financial consequences.

Part of a wider crackdown

The fine sits alongside other recent enforcement measures. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly warned that performing Hajj without a permit is illegal, and has set separate penalties for individuals who attempt the pilgrimage on the wrong visa type. Authorities have also acted against those who transport, shelter or assist people trying to reach the holy sites without authorisation.

Public Security urged members of the public to report violations of residency, labour and border security regulations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.

The broader goal is to protect the safety and order of the pilgrimage. Overcrowding caused by unauthorised pilgrims has been linked in the past to strain on services and to safety risks during the busiest days. By holding companies accountable, the authorities aim to close a channel through which some visitors have remained in the country unlawfully.

What it means for pilgrims

For the ordinary pilgrim who travels on a valid visa and returns home on time, the rule changes little. It is aimed at operators, not at compliant travellers. Even so, the measure is a reminder that Saudi Arabia is enforcing its visa and residency rules firmly across the Hajj and Umrah system.

Pilgrims should ensure they understand the limits of their visa and depart the Kingdom before it expires. Umrah entry visas now carry a validity of 30 days from the date of issuance, and all bookings are expected to run through the official Nusuk platform.

Practical tips

  • Know your visa validity. Check the exact expiry date and the length of stay your visa permits, and plan your return travel well within that window.
  • Use licensed operators. Book through authorised Hajj and Umrah companies and the official Nusuk platform, and keep copies of your booking confirmations.
  • Do not overstay. Remaining beyond your authorised period can lead to fines, deportation and future travel bans.
  • Keep records. Retain your visa, entry stamp and departure details in case you need to prove your travel dates.