The Ministry of Interior has announced a stringent penalty for sponsors who fail to report the departure of expatriates once their entry visas expire. This includes imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to SR50,000.

Ministry of Interior's New Penalty for Sponsors

The Ministry of Interior has declared that sponsors who do not report the departure of their expatriate workers after the expiry of their entry visas will face harsh legal consequences. The penalty includes a maximum jail term of six months and a fine of up to SR50,000.

Deportation for Foreign Sponsors

If the sponsor is a foreign national, they will be deported from the Kingdom after completing the prison sentence and paying the imposed fine. This move aims to regulate and enforce immigration policies strictly.

Penalty for Overstaying Expatriates

In a related announcement, the ministry also stated that expatriates who remain in the country beyond their entry visa expiry will be subjected to similar penalties: up to SR50,000 in fines, six months of imprisonment, and subsequent deportation.

Previous Penalties on Hajj and Umrah Service Providers

Earlier, the Ministry imposed fines of up to SR100,000 on companies and establishments providing Hajj and Umrah services if they failed to report pilgrims who overstayed their visas.

Adherence to Saudi Guidelines

The Ministry strongly emphasized the need to comply with Saudi Arabia’s official Hajj and Umrah guidelines. All sponsors, expatriates, and service providers must align their practices with national laws to avoid legal action.