Hajj 2025: SR50,000 fine on manipulators of pilgrimage work visas

Cairo: Saudi Arabia has warned that businesses misusing seasonal work visas related to the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage will face severe penalties including a fine of up to SR50,000.

Violating businesses also risk a ban from applying to vie in Saudi government tenders for up to five years, if the temporary work visa is sold, transferred, or used for purposes other than the designated one.

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources has stressed the importance of complying with the regulations linked to work visas for Hajj and Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) services.

The ministry confirmed that this compliance is instrumental for guaranteeing a safe and organised work environment during the current Hajj season.

Saudi Arabia has intensified a clampdown on illegal pilgrims and their collaborators in the run-up to next week’s Hajj in and around the holy city of Mecca.

In April, Saudi authorities started issuing online permits for residents, who will be engaged in the work during the Hajj season.

Such workers applied to obtain entry permits to Mecca through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platform “Absher” and the “Muqeem” portal.

Entry permits were issued through the “Muqeem” portal to workers in establishments based in Mecca, holders of seasonal work visas, and workers who have employment contracts with those establishments during the Hajj season.