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Saudi Public Security announced the penalty on July 29, 2026, through a statement carried by the Saudi Gazette. The directorate specified that the fine targets companies and establishments that fail to promptly notify authorities about any Hajj pilgrim or Umrah performer remaining in the kingdom after their authorised period ends. Public Security added that the SR100,000 maximum applies per case and can be multiplied by the number of violators.
The clarification came as authorities sought to reinforce compliance among service providers handling the large volumes of visitors. According to the announcement, the penalty covers delays in reporting overstayers to the competent bodies. Such measures form part of the kingdom’s residency and border management framework.
Public calls for reports of violations involving residency, labour or border security rules direct individuals to dial 911 in the cities of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province or 999 in all other regions. Saudi Public Security stated that reports receive complete confidentiality and that those providing information bear no legal responsibility. The hotlines serve as a key component in the enforcement strategy.
Figures published by the General Authority for Statistics place the total number of pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj at 1,707,301, of whom 1,546,655 arrived from international destinations. The authority’s data further breaks down the cohort into 893,396 male and 813,905 female participants. These numbers reflect the significant logistical demands placed on Hajj and Umrah service companies each year.
The Ministry of Interior has previously set fines of up to SR50,000 for expatriates who overstay their visas, a regulation referenced in related announcements from April 2025. That penalty can also include imprisonment for up to six months in certain cases according to official statements. The new focus on service companies extends oversight to the entities facilitating pilgrim visits.
Saudi Public Security noted in its announcement that the rule applies to all relevant companies without exception. The directive follows the conclusion of the main Hajj rituals for 2026 and targets any lingering overstays from the season. Authorities have issued similar warnings in prior years as part of sustained efforts to maintain regulatory compliance.
