Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to leave before Hajj visa expiry; warns of legal action for overstay
's Ministry of
Hajj
and Umrah has issued a clear reminder to all pilgrims to exit the Kingdom before their Hajj visas expire. The ministry emphasised that leaving on time is not only a legal requirement but also a gesture of respect for the Kingdom's rules and the sacred nature of the pilgrimage.
In an official statement, the ministry said, 'Abiding by the designated departure period preserves the integrity of Hajj procedures and ensures ongoing facilitation for all guests of God.'
Authorities have warned that failure to depart before the visa's expiration can lead to legal penalties and possible travel restrictions in the future. The ministry reiterated that Hajj visas are strictly for pilgrimage purposes. Pilgrims must not engage in unauthorized activities or work, and must avoid unlicensed agents.
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To manage the exit process, the General Directorate of Passports has launched a wide-scale departure operation. This includes deploying personnel and advanced technology across all international air, land, and sea exit points. 'We have mobilized personnel and security systems to ensure an efficient and orderly exit process for pilgrims,' the directorate said in an official statement.
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In Medina, local authorities have started assisting departing pilgrims at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Many pilgrims stay in the city post-Hajj to visit the Prophet's Mosque before heading home. A dedicated transport program is facilitating smooth transfers from residences to the airport, coordinated by the regional Hajj and Visit Committee.
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This year, the Medina airport played a key role in the Hajj season, welcoming 719,400 pilgrims on 1,910 flights from 196 cities across 53 countries, accounting for 60% of all Hajj-related air traffic in Saudi Arabia.
Authorities continue to remind visitors that Hajj regulations are strictly enforced to ensure the safety, order, and spiritual focus of the pilgrimage.
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