Hajj 2025: Saudi announces new SR50,000 fine, permit rule
Image credit: Getty Images
The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia
announced on April 23 a fine of up to SR50,000 and six months of imprisonment for any sponsors who fail to report the departure of expatriate workers under their sponsorship after the expiry of their entry visas.
According to a
Read-
The ministry also announced a similar penalty on Tuesday, April 22, for overstaying expatriates. Those who fail to leave Saudi Arabia after their entry visas expire may face a fine of up to SR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation.
Previously, the ministry had announced a maximum fine of SR100,000 for Hajj and Umrah service providers and establishments that fail to report any pilgrim who overstays their visa.
Makkah Permit Rule for Expats
In another announcement,
Residents who hold a work permit or a residency permit (iqama) issued in Makkah, or a Hajj permit, are exempt from the ban. Expatriates without the required permits will be turned back at security checkpoints at Makkah's entry points.
Purpose of the Regulation
The ban aims to regulate access to Makkah during the Hajj season and ensure the smooth movement and security of pilgrims.
Permits for entering Makkah during the Hajj season are issued electronically through the 'Absher Individuals' platform and the 'Muqeem' portal, in coordination with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, 'Tasreeh'.
The Ministry of Interior also reiterated its warning that it is prohibited to enter or remain in Makkah for holders of all visa types—except those arriving with a Hajj visa—starting April 29.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
43 minutes ago
- Sharjah 24
UAE pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat for the Hajj greatest pillar
UAE pilgrims arrive in Arafat in comfort and good health Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat and Chairman of the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office, confirmed that all UAE pilgrims arrived safely and comfortably in Arafat. He noted that the pilgrims are in good health and under continuous care from the accompanying medical teams, who are ensuring their wellbeing during this sacred journey. Comprehensive support for UAE pilgrims Dr Al Darei emphasised the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office's commitment to providing all necessary services and support. From medical care to logistical assistance, the office is working to ensure that every UAE pilgrim has a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience throughout the Hajj journey. Appreciation for Saudi Arabia's hajj management Dr Al Darei also praised the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with all related Saudi institutions, for their exceptional efforts. He highlighted the successful implementation of programs, the use of modern technologies, and the outstanding services provided to pilgrims. These efforts led to a smooth movement of pilgrims between holy sites, including the transitions from Mina to Arafat and from Arafat to Muzdalifah. A seamless experience for millions of pilgrims Thanks to the coordinated efforts and logistical support, the process of grouping and transporting the large crowds of pilgrims was carried out efficiently and with great care. The experience reflects the high level of organization and the deep commitment to serving the Guests of God during this sacred time.
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Over 1.67million pilgrims performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia: GASTAT
1,673,230 pilgrims are performing Hajj 1446 AH in Saudi Arabia, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). According to GASTAT, 1,506,576 pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia, while 166,654 pilgrims are from within the Kingdom, including both citizens and residents. Hajj 2025 by the numbers: Total pilgrims: 1,673,230 International pilgrims: 1,506,576 Domestic pilgrims (citizens and residents): 166,654 Male pilgrims: 877,841 Female pilgrims: 795,389 Hajj in Saudi Arabia How pilgrims arrived: Airports: 1,435,017 Land border crossings: 66,465 Seaports: 5,094 These figures were compiled using administrative records from the Ministry of Interior, part of a standardised statistical model that GASTAT has successfully implemented over the past five years. This method ensures high accuracy, reliability, and consistency in Hajj statistics reporting. As the Kingdom's official statistical authority, GASTAT is the exclusive provider of official statistics in Saudi Arabia and is entrusted with overseeing all national statistical activities, including technical supervision, conducting field surveys and research, data analysis, and managing the documentation, preservation, and tabulation of statistical information across all sectors of life in the Kingdom.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Travelling for Hajj? New smart medical bag launched for pilgrims
A smart medical bag, that marks a new advancement in portable healthcare for Hajj pilgrims, has been introduced with the launch of 'Masand'. This innovative unit is tailored to assist healthcare teams in fast-paced, mobile environments where prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. This bag has been developed by health-tech company Doctory in collaboration with the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab (SoiLAB). The innovative medical bag integrates advanced diagnostic tools into a single portable unit, allowing for rapid and effective health assessments during the pilgrimage. Developed through close cooperation between Doctory's healthcare experts and SoiLAB's engineering team, 'Masand' harnesses technologies including 3D printing, additive manufacturing, laser cutting, and precision electronics. The launch reinforces the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park's (SRTI Park) reputation as a regional hub for next-generation medical devices, born from dynamic partnerships between government, academia, and industry. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said, 'Doctory's innovative products, designed within SoiLAB, are a model of health innovation. This project reflects our commitment to empowering creative and innovative companies to turn their ideas into tangible solutions that improve lives. The Hajj season provides a unique opportunity to test these solutions in real-world conditions, showcasing SRTI Park's ability to turn research and innovation into practical outcomes.' He added, 'We are dedicated to enabling innovators by providing world-class research and development facilities, advanced industrial expertise, and supportive investment networks. Our goal is to create an environment where pioneering ideas in health technology can thrive, transforming how medical solutions are developed and implemented.' How does it work? The 'Masand' medical bag can directly connect patients with a network of specialised doctors, enabling remote diagnosis and treatment — even in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The bag has attracted significant attention from medical authorities and regulatory bodies during the current Hajj season, where it has proven effective in managing emergency health cases at the holy sites. Osama Shamsi Pasha, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Doctory, said, "The 'Masand' medical bag represents a significant leap in mobile healthcare, made possible by the advanced innovation environment and world-class team at SoiLAB. We have had previous successful collaborations with SoiLAB, such as developing the 'Doctory Chair,' which reinforces our confidence that SRTI Park is the ideal environment for testing ambitious ideas and turning them into practical products."
