Saudi Arabia warns visitors against visa overstays; violators face fines, imprisonment and deportation

Saudi Arabia has warned foreign visitors to leave the Kingdom before their entry visas expire, saying those who overstay could face fines of up to SR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, deportation and possible re-entry bans, depending on the violation.

The warning comes as Saudi authorities continue nationwide enforcement campaigns targeting violations of residency, labour and border security laws.

Overstaying a visa can lead to multiple penalties

In a statement, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior said remaining in the country after the expiry of an entry visa is a serious offence under the Kingdom's residency regulations.


The ministry said violators may face:

• A fine of up to SR50,000
• Imprisonment for up to six months
• Deportation
• Possible ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia, depending on the offence

The ministry said the measures are intended to strengthen compliance with residency and labour regulations, prevent the misuse of entry visas and ensure visitors leave within their authorised period of stay.

Public urged to report violations

The Interior Ministry also called on Saudi citizens and residents to report suspected violations of residency, labour and border security laws.

According to the ministry, reports can be made around the clock by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in all other regions.

The ministry said public cooperation plays an important role in supporting security efforts, protecting the labour market and reducing violations.

More than 15,000 violators arrested in one week

The warning coincides with ongoing enforcement operations across the Kingdom.

According to the Ministry of Interior, authorities arrested 15,430 violators between July 2 and July 8. The arrests included:

• 7,913 residency law violators
• 4,037 border security offenders
• 3,480 labour law violators

During the same period, authorities also arrested 1,542 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally and 30 individuals trying to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.

In addition, 27 people were detained for allegedly transporting, sheltering or assisting violators.

Thousands undergoing legal procedures

The ministry said 29,286 people are currently undergoing legal procedures related to residency, labour and border security violations. Thousands have also been referred for travel documentation and deportation.

Saudi authorities reiterated that facilitating the illegal entry, transportation, employment or sheltering of border security violators is considered a major offence.

Those found guilty could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or property used in committing the offence.

The ministry urged all visitors to comply with Saudi immigration rules and leave the country before their visas expire to avoid legal action.