Pilgrims warned against overstay

JEDDAH: Pilgrims overstaying their visas as well as citizens or residents helping the overstayers will face heavy fines and various jail terms, an official of the Passport Department has warned. He said Umrah companies and tour operators have also been told to be alert and firm and not allow any such violations to happen, or face penalties. “Pilgrims found overstaying will be fined SR50,000 and jailed for six months before being deported,” the official said. “Citizens or residents found violating the rules in this regard will be fined SR100,000 and jailed for six months, and foreigners will be deported. The punishment will increase in case of serious violations,” he said. “If any company fails in informing the authorities about the violators, it will be fined SR100,000, blacklisted for five years and the manager of the company will be jailed for a year. If he is an expatriate, he will be deported after the jail term ends,” he said. The official insisted that the general director of passports will take strict action against those found violating the law, adding that all those who have come to perform Umrah should stick to their visa limit. Arab News