Saudi Arabia Issues April 29 Deadline for Foreign Umrah Pilgrims: Consequences for Overstaying Ahead of Hajj Season

In a recent announcement, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set a firm deadline for foreign Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom ahead of the Hajj season. The deadline for departing is set for April 29, which corresponds to the first day of Dhul Qada in the Islamic calendar. This decision comes as Saudi Arabia shifts its focus to prepare for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest and most significant religious events in the world.

The ministry also declared that April 13 (Shawwal 15) will be the last date for foreign Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom. The move is part of the country’s efforts to streamline the logistics and management of the religious events, ensuring smooth transitions and proper arrangements for both the Umrah and Hajj seasons. The Kingdom typically experiences a surge in visitors for Umrah during the months leading up to Hajj, and with the influx of pilgrims, the government has emphasized the importance of maintaining order and safety during this peak period.

Pilgrims who fail to depart the Kingdom by the April 29 deadline will be considered to have overstayed their visa, which is considered a legal violation under Saudi regulations. Authorities have warned that overstaying past the permitted dates could result in hefty fines, with penalties potentially reaching up to SR100,000. This applies not only to individual pilgrims but also to companies and Umrah service providers found in violation of the regulations.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also issued a stern warning to Umrah service providers and sponsoring establishments, stressing the importance of adhering to the established departure schedules. Failure to comply with the departure reporting protocols or to report overstaying pilgrims could lead to severe penalties for service providers, including the maximum fines.

This temporary suspension of Umrah services for foreign pilgrims is a long-standing practice implemented in the lead-up to Hajj. It is aimed at ensuring smooth logistical operations, managing crowd control, and enhancing the safety of all pilgrims. The policy reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to organizing the Hajj pilgrimage in an efficient manner, given the large number of people who travel to Mecca annually.

For many pilgrims, the opportunity to perform Umrah is a deeply spiritual and significant experience. However, it is essential to abide by the rules and regulations set by Saudi authorities to ensure that the religious gatherings proceed without disruption. Pilgrims who are still in the Kingdom after the deadline could face legal consequences that may impact their future visits to Saudi Arabia.

The Hajj season officially begins on Dhul Qada 1, marking the start of the pilgrimage for millions of Muslims around the world. As the Kingdom ramps up its preparations for this sacred event, pilgrims are urged to make their departure plans accordingly.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to monitor and manage the situation closely to guarantee the safety and convenience of all visitors during this highly anticipated period of religious observance.