Saudi warns sponsors of SR50,000 fine, jail and deportation over visit visa overstays

Saudi authorities are imposing strict penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and deportation, on sponsors who fail to report visit visa overstays. Recent data reveals thousands of violations, prompting a call for immediate reporting of ex...

By ET Online | Feb 16, 2026, 12.26 PM IST

Saudi authorities have warned sponsors that they face fines of up to SR50,000, prison terms of up to six months and possible deportation if they fail to report visit visa holders who overstay in the Kingdom. The warning follows fresh enforcement data showing thousands of violations recorded in a single month.

Saudi Public Security called on citizens and residents to report immediately if a visitor remains in the country after their visa expires. Officials said sponsors must notify authorities about the departure of visit visa holders and ensure compliance with regulations.

Authorities stated that penalties for failing to report an overstay can reach SR50,000. The punishment may also include imprisonment for up to six months. If the sponsor is a non-Saudi resident, authorities warned that failure to report an overstay could result in deportation. Officials stressed that such violations expose sponsors to strict legal accountability under existing regulations.

The General Directorate of Passports also released new enforcement figures. According to the data, 19,559 administrative decisions were issued during Rajab 1447AH (2026). These actions targeted citizens and residents who violated residency, labour and border security regulations.

Penalties imposed during the month included imprisonment, financial fines and deportation, in line with applicable laws.

The Passports Directorate urged citizens, residents and business owners not to transport, employ or shelter individuals who violate residency, labour or border security laws. Authorities also warned against concealing violators or offering assistance, including help in securing employment, housing or transportation.

Officials emphasised that cooperation is essential to enforce regulations. They encouraged the public to report violations and said all reports will be handled with complete confidentiality. Authorities assured that individuals who report violations will bear no legal liability.

Officials made it clear that overstaying a visit visa carries consequences not only for the visitor but also for the sponsor.

6 Gulf countries you can visit with GCC's upcoming Schengen-style visa

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The long-awaited unified tourist visa for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been formally approved and will be launched soon. The visa, inspired by the European Schengen model, will let travellers to move across GCC nations under a single travel document.

Here are the countries you can visit, and a complete travel itinerary for each.