Saudi Arabia has launched a nationwide crackdown on visit visa overstays, introducing strict penalties that directly affect Pakistani travelers, expatriates, and families living in the Kingdom. The move reflects Riyadh’s zero-tolerance policy toward immigration violations.

Under the new regulations announced by Saudi Arabia, individuals who remain in the country beyond their visit visa validity may face fines of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation or blacklisting. Authorities have made it clear that even unintentional overstays must be reported immediately to avoid harsh punishment.

The decision is especially significant for Pakistani nationals visiting family members, performing Umrah, or staying temporarily for personal or short-term purposes. Saudi officials have warned that Pakistani residents hosting visitors must ensure visa compliance, as failure to report an overstay by a guest can result in legal action and deportation of the host as well.

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According to the Public Security Department, providing housing, transportation, employment, or shelter to individuals violating visit visa, residency, labor, or border laws is a serious offense. Citizens and expatriates have been urged to avoid any form of cooperation with overstayers.

In recent enforcement operations, thousands of individuals involved in residency and border violations have already been arrested. The Public Security Department shared updates on the social platform X, urging the public to report visit visa overstays immediately.

Saudi authorities stated that the crackdown aims to strengthen national security, regulate immigration, and ensure strict compliance with visa laws. Pakistani travelers are strongly advised to monitor visa expiry dates, report unavoidable delays promptly, and strictly follow Saudi immigration regulations to avoid severe legal consequences.