Overstayers in Saudi warned of tough action

RIYADH: The Passport Department has again warned that people overstaying their visas will face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment and deportation. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said those committing an offense the first time would be fined SR15,000 and deported. Repeat offenders face a SR25,000 fine, three months in jail and deportation. A third offense would result in a SR50,000 fine, six months in jail and deportation. There would also be punishment for Saudi sponsors, and deportation of non-Saudi sponsors. The department said enquiries can be made at 992@gdp.gov.sa, according to a press report on Tuesday. The government has instituted several measures over the years to prevent people overstaying in the country, including a fingerprinting system, an amnesty and a period for expatriates to correct their status. It has also introduced an e-service for Umrah and Haj pilgrims so that it knows immediately if a person has entered the country and when he or she leaves. The government has urged citizens and expatriates to not employ illegal workers.   Arab News