Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims: Leave before Hajj visa expires or face penalties
Timely exit not only legal obligation but also sign of respect for Kingdom’s regulations
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on all pilgrims to leave the Kingdom before the expiration of their Hajj visas, highlighting the importance of respecting regulations and avoiding legal consequences associated with overstaying.
In an official statement, the ministry said that timely departure is not only a legal obligation but also a respect for the Kingdom’s regulations and the annual pilgrimage season.
“Abiding by the designated departure period preserves the integrity of Hajj procedures and ensures ongoing facilitation for all guests of God,” the ministry said.
The ministry further stressed that pilgrims must comply with all relevant laws, use their visas strictly for the purposes of Hajj, and avoid any involvement with unlicensed agents or activities beyond the permitted period. Failure to comply could result in legal penalties or future travel restrictions.
Government authorities have launched an extensive departure operation, with the General Directorate of Passports deploying staff and advanced technologies 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 the Medina Region, local authorities have started farewelling pilgrims departing via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Many are spending time in the city after Hajj to visit the Prophet’s Mosque before returning home.
To streamline the process, a dedicated program coordinates transfers from residences to the airport, overseen by the regional Hajj and Visit Committee.
The airport saw significant traffic during the pre-Hajj phase, welcoming 719,400 pilgrims, nearly half of all air-arriving Hajj pilgrims this year on 1,910 flights from 196 cities across 53 countries. That figure represented 60 percent of all Hajj-related flights arriving at Saudi airports this season.
-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE
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