SAUDIA ARABIA: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set April 29 as the final departure date for foreign Umrah pilgrims, marking the end of the pilgrimage season before the start of the annual Hajj. This announcement is part of the country’s efforts to streamline preparations for the upcoming Hajj season. The Ministry has designated April 13 as the last day for Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom, emphasizing that any foreign pilgrims who overstay past these dates will be in violation of Saudi Arabia’s regulations and visa rules.
The Ministry’s statement made it clear that pilgrims remaining beyond the stipulated dates will face legal consequences, with strict penalties enforced. Those who breach the rules, including individuals, companies, and service providers, risk heavy fines of up to SR100,000, in addition to potential legal action. These measures are intended to ensure that all foreign pilgrims comply with the set guidelines and regulations as the country transitions into the busy Hajj season.
Service providers and sponsoring establishments are expected to follow the departure schedules and adhere to reporting protocols. The Ministry emphasized that failing to report overstaying pilgrims could lead to severe consequences, including maximum penalties. This underscores the importance of cooperation from all involved in managing pilgrimages, ensuring that the movement of pilgrims is regulated efficiently, and preventing any legal violations from occurring.
The suspension of Umrah for foreign pilgrims ahead of Hajj is a long-established practice by Saudi authorities. This policy helps in managing the logistical challenges of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The aim is to maintain crowd control, ensure the safety of all participants, and guarantee that the Hajj pilgrimage can proceed smoothly, without disruption, during the peak pilgrimage period.
