• 16 Apr, 26
• by Muslims Holy Travel

Saudi Arabia Streamlines Umrah Departures, Warns Against Visa Overstays

The government of Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules to streamline the process of coming and going of Umrah pilgrims after the recent clash between Iran and Israel. These clashes have disrupted normal life in the Middle East. And to protect its citizens as well as the pilgrims, many Arab countries have been introducing new measures for the immigration process. The same is the case with Saudi Arabia as they brought changes to the departure of pilgrims and visa compliance. Recently, the Saudi Government urged all pilgrims to leave the kingdom before April 10 this year. All these measures are being introduced to provide maximum security to pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj. In this article, you will learn about the new rules about departure and warnings the Saudi Government has introduced for pilgrims and visitors.

Streamline Departure: What Pilgrims Must Do

The recent clashes between the forces of the US alongside Israel and Iran have changed the way of life in the Middle East. And because of this change, the Saudi government decided to introduce new rules to streamline Umrah pilgrim departures. First of all, the government asked all pilgrims to leave the country and reschedule their trip according to the new rules. According to new rules, the pilgrim will be required to book their journey through a licensed travel agency. And each pilgrim should have a clear schedule of their arrival and departure. That also includes their hotel check-out time so everyone can leave on time and no one gets delayed.

The new official guideline says that each pilgrim should reach the airport at least four hours before their departure. The government has introduced these rules to reduce congestion at the airport and everyone can leave on time without any issue. These changes will lift the burden from the shoulders of the staff working in logistics. The government has introduced these changes to manage the upcoming Hajj. But in a broader perspective, these changes are linked to the government’s 2030 vision. It is the government’s agenda to enhance the pilgrims’ experience and make it as efficient as it can be.

Key Deadlines for Umrah Pilgrims

According to the new rules, the Umrah pilgrims will get visas by the first of Shawwal and they will leave the country by the first of Dhul Qada. All the pilgrims will be required to leave the country by the first week of Dhul Qada. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also declared that those pilgrims who will stay in the country beyond the said time limit will face consequences. These consequences will include heavy fines and deportation. And in some cases, those pilgrims who would violate these rules will also face jail time and strict punishment.

The government made these arrangements to provide the best facilities to Hajj pilgrims. These new rules will do two things for the administration. The first thing is that by these rules, all the Umrah pilgrims will leave the country by mid of April. Secondly, when all the Umrah pilgrims leave, the government can implement new security parameters. That is why the Umrah pilgrims are required to make a scheduled entry to Saudi Arabia. In this schedule, they will clearly mention their hotel check-out time.

And they will also enter the country with a return flight booked in advance. That is how no one would be allowed to remain in the country after they are done with their pilgrimage. There are some necessary tips that you can follow to avoid any trouble. The first thing is that you should keep in mind that your passport should not expire before you leave the country. There should be no changes in your travel plan because if you extend your stay, it can get you into trouble.

Warnings against Visa Overstay

As mentioned before, those pilgrims will face consequences if they overstay or change their travel plan. The first of April is the final date for all the Umrah pilgrims to leave the country according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. And no one should be left behind by mid-April. Also, the ministry issued a clear warning for those who would violate these instructions. The government also announced a list of consequences that pilgrims will face in case they violate these rules.

Those pilgrims who would extend their stay for no particular reason may have to pay 50,000 Saudi riyals. And those who would not be able to pay this amount may face six months' jail time. Also, those who would violate the deadline and extend their stay may face deportation. And deported pilgrims in this process might face a future ban. Also, whoever faces deportation will also face a permanent ban from entering Saudi Arabia again. That is the reason that you should plan your journey through a recognised travel agency.

There are some news agencies that have reported that Saudis have started deporting people who are violating these new pilgrim regulations. There are some news outlets that claim that the government has started deporting people as well. And there are numerous pilgrims who have faced this deportation. That is why if you are still in Saudi Arabia for your Umrah, you should leave before mid-April. Because if you stayed in the country after of by the mid of April, the government will put you in jail.

Responsibilities of Travel Agencies & Sponsors

This is another new rule that the Saudi government has implemented that will also hold travel agencies accountable. And that is the same reason why the government has instructed the pilgrims to book their journey through recognised travel agencies. The residents of Saudi Arabia who sponsor pilgrims should not give shelter to pilgrims after the deadline has passed. Also, the sponsors are not allowed to hire anyone who entered the country as a pilgrim.

And the sponsors are also not allowed to give pilgrims transportation. The government issued these rules last month and also started arresting pilgrims as well as residents. Those sponsors who would violate these rules will have to pay a fine of 50,000 Saudi riyals. And not just that, those residents who come to have a resident permit and violate these new rules will face five months of jail.

And in extreme cases, their residential permit will be revoked and they will be deported. Also, everyone should keep in mind that this deportation will be permanent and individuals facing deportation will never set foot in the country again. The pilgrims travelling through a travel agency should choose a recognised travel agency. And if the pilgrim has to extend their stay, the agency should inform the ministry in advance.

Those agencies that will not comply with these rules will lose their license and face a heavy fine. Also, those agencies violating these rules will not be able to do business in Saudi Arabia again. The government also instructed the travel agencies to enhance their compliance tracking system. And with this enhancement, the government would also be able to track their activities.

Visa Validity & Compliance Tips

If you want to perform Umrah, you will be given a visa for 30 days and you have to leave the country before this deadline passes. There is a possibility that you will be given an extension but it can only happen under extreme circumstances. You can apply for an extension but you have to do that before your visa expires. Also, your passport should be valid and you should have insurance. And you should not have committed any violation before if you want an extension in your visa.

There is a huge risk if you do not apply for an extension. You will face a fine on a daily basis and the government might ban you permanently. It will be very difficult for pilgrims to follow all these rules. That is why you can follow some useful tips to track your visa expiry date. There is an application called Nusuk which keeps all your information. Also, you should always keep in contact with your travel agent so you remain vigilant about your travel plans and dates.

Conclusion

There are some news agencies that claim that the Saudi government made these changes because of the recent clashes in the Middle East. However, they have been planning these changes since last year. Besides, these changes are linked to the government’s 2030 vision. The government’s vision for the next five years is to make a smooth system for all the pilgrims. This system will allow all the pilgrims to perform their Umrah with ease. And no one will get stuck in the country for any reason. Everyone will follow a strict schedule so none of them will have to overstay or extend their journey.  Also, with these new rules, no pilgrims will take their Umrah journey without a travel agency. And the government will also track the agency’s activities. All these regulations will just enhance the entire system and provide security to everyone.