Saudi Arabia imposes hefty fines on overstaying pilgrims

By Abdu Wahid Kakande

Saudi Arabia has introduced hefty fines on pilgrims who overstay their visas.

Under the new arrangement, pilgrims who overstay their visas will pay a fine of $13,000 (about sh48 million) in addition to serving a jail term of six months and deportation after being released from prison.

The Umrah visa holders were ordered to leave Makkah by April 29 to avoid being penalized.

Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry argues that the hefty fine is part of its efforts to regulate the flow of visitors ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage (Hajj).

Saudi Arabia authorities explained that holders of visit visas are not entitled to perform Hajj.

They have urged expatriates and visitors to strictly comply with the terms of their visas and ensure timely departure from the country to avoid legal consequences.

The development comes after Saudi Arabia introduced a series of measures to facilitate the application process for Hajj pilgrims and ensure that security and order is maintained during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

One of the measures requires residents and citizens to obtain official permits to enter the Islamic holiest city of Mecca starting from April 23.

Entry is now limited to those with valid work permits for the holy sites, are residents of Makkah with proof of residency or who hold an official Hajj permit.

Additionally, Hajj and Umrah service companies who fail to report pilgrims who violate their visas may incur fines up to $26,659 (about sh98 million), which can multiply depending on the number of violations.

Respect the new rules

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and is required once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able.

This year, Hajj is expected to begin on the evening of June 6 and end on June 11.

Sheikh Zakariyah Kyewalyanga, the chairperson of the Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs (UBHA), the umbrella body for all Hajj and Umrah travel companies in Uganda, commented on the development, urging all the Hajj travel operators to adhere to the rules, saying if any of them flouts them, they will carry their own cross.

“We have already briefed all our members about these new rules and we urge them to respect them otherwise any company that will not adhere to the same will carry its own cross,” said Kyewalyanga.

He said they have so far issued 500 visas, adding that they are unlikely to meet the number of 1,700 slots that were allocated to Uganda because of the strict deadline for the issuance of visas.

“Many intending pilgrims did not pay in time and we are likely not to meet the number unless the Saudi authorities grant us a waiver on this,” said Kyewalyanga.

All intending pilgrims were required to pay five months ahead of the pilgrimage to enable the Saudi authorities plan for them accordingly.

Kyewalyanga also said they have made it mandatory for all Hajj travel companies to organize seminars for the intending pilgrims and educate them on the new rules and what to do while in Makkah for them to maximise the rewards.

He also warned drug traffickers against taking advantage of the Hajj period, warning that whoever will be caught will face the law.

No children allowed

This time around, children were also prohibited from accompanying pilgrims. Saudi’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the decision was made to protect children from the dangers of overcrowding during the pilgrimage, which sees millions of worshippers gathering annually.

The ministry emphasized that the restriction aims to safeguard young children from potential risks associated with managing large crowds in hazardous situations.

The move is also intended to make the pilgrimage experience more seamless for all attendees.

First-time pilgrims were given preference for this year’s Hajj.

Saudi authorities said this measure was aimed at allowing more Muslims the opportunity to perform the sacred journey.