Friday, April 25, 2025
Penalty for Sponsors, Employers who failed to report the departure of Expatriates
The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia announced that sponsors or employers who refuse to disclose the departure of foreign workers under their sponsorship after their entry visas have expired might be fined up to SR50,000 and jailed for up to six months. If the sponsor is a foreign national, he will face deportation after serving his sentence and paying the fine. Most Viewed: Forbes lists 15 Saudi billionaires
The ministry also stressed the significance of following the official Hajj and Umrah instructions and rules of Saudi Arabia, as the Hajj season procedures are about to be implemented.
All of this is part of a bigger strategy to keep the Hajj 2025 season under control and ensure the safety of all pilgrims. For international Umrah pilgrims, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, which is 1st Dhul Qidah 1446, is the last day to travel from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The overstaying expatriates will also be subject to a similar penalty, as revealed by the authorities on Tuesday. It added that expats risk deportation, a fine of up to SR50,000, and imprisonment for up to six months if they do not leave Saudi Arabia when their visas expire.
Companies and organizations that offer Hajj and Umrah services could face a maximum fine of SR100,000 if they do not report any pilgrim who overstays their visa, as stated earlier by the authorities. Recommend: Jawazat clarifies on Multiple exit visa
All visa holders are barred from entering or remaining in the city of Makkah as of Tuesday, 29th April 2025, according to the Ministry of Interior. The only exception to this rule is anybody holding a Hajj visa.
The Directorate of Public Security announced on Wednesday, April 23, that expatriates need an official permit to enter Makkah.
According to the directorate, one can avoid this restriction if they possess work permission, a residence permit (iqama) granted in Makkah, or a Hajj permit. The security checkpoints at the entrance points of Makkah will reject expats who do not possess the necessary permissions.
During the Hajj season, electronic platforms such as "Absher Individuals" and "Muqeem" work along with the unified digital platform called "Tasreeh" to grant permits for entering Makkah. See Also: Fine on foreigners for not leaving Saudi Arabia after the expiry of their entry visa
Penalty for Sponsors, Employers who failed to report the departure of Expatriates. Saudi-Expatriates.com
