In a bold move to maintain order during its bustling pilgrimage seasons, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a stern directive to Hajj and Umrah service providers: report overstaying pilgrims promptly or face severe financial consequences. The announcement, made via the Saudi Press Agency on Monday, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to enforcing pilgrimage regulations as the next Hajj season looms on the horizon.
Under the new enforcement push, companies failing to notify authorities of individuals lingering beyond their visa limits could be slapped with fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600) per violation. The penalty multiplies with each unreported overstayer, a measure designed to deter negligence among service providers catering to millions of religious visitors annually. “Compliance is non-negotiable,” the ministry emphasized, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to overcrowding and logistical chaos during sacred events.
The crackdown follows a busy period for Saudi airports, with Matarat Holding Co reporting that over 6.8 million passengers—including Umrah performers—passed through four key hubs from the start of Ramadan to the seventh of Shawwal. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah led the pack, alongside airports in Madinah, Yanbu, and Taif. Of these travelers, 4.6 million arrived internationally, while 2.1 million hopped on domestic flights, highlighting the Kingdom’s role as a global pilgrimage epicenter.
Authorities say the heightened oversight aims to safeguard the sanctity and safety of Hajj and Umrah, which draw millions to Mecca and Madinah each year. With the pilgrimage industry being a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, officials are keen to streamline operations while preserving the spiritual experience. As preparations ramp up, the message is clear: service providers must toe the line, or pay the price—literally.
