Saudi announces jail-term, fine for violating Umrah regulations

Taking stern action against those violating Umrah regulations, Saudi Arabia announced imprisonment and fine for those caught flouting rules.

Director of Public Relations and Information Administration at the Directorate General of Passports (Jawazat) Brig. Gen. Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saad said on Sunday that transporting, employing, sheltering or providing cover-up to those overstaying Umrah pilgrim will face punishment. The announcement was made at the launch of the Passport Department's annual awareness campaign on the Umrah season and applies to citizens as well as expatriates.

Saad added that expatriates violating Umrah regulations and overstaying their visas will be deported after serving imprisonment and paying fines. The Umrah regulation awareness campaign will run from December 2, 2018, to June 18, 2019, according to Saudi Gazette reports.

As part of Umrah preparations, Jawazat has launched offices at international entry points to acquaint foreign pilgrims with the Kingdom's regulations. These offices will be equipped with the well-trained staff and sophisticated equipment to detect forged documents and fake photos on Umrah pilgrims' official travel documents, Saad said.