In a major development aimed at regulating the use of temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services, Saudi Arabia has specified severe penalties for anyone found misusing these permits. The country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced tough new measures to ensure the visas are only used for their intended purpose.
Under the newly approved regulations, individuals or organizations found guilty of selling, transferring, or misusing a temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services will face harsh consequences. Offenders could be fined up to SR50,000, banned from participating in temporary work related to Hajj and Umrah for up to five years, or face both penalties.
The violations do not just come with a fixed fine. In all cases, violators must also pay an amount equal to the earnings they received from their misuse of the visa, further reinforcing the seriousness of the infringement. The penalty scale will vary depending on the number of violations committed, with multiple infractions carrying even greater consequences.
Saudi Arabia: Financial Guarantees and Responsibilities
Applicants for temporary work visas related to Hajj and Umrah services must also meet strict criteria, ensuring that the system remains transparent and abuse-free. If an applicant submits false data, documents, or provides an incorrect registered address, they will be subject to a fine of up to SR15,000. This is intended to ensure accountability and deter any attempts at manipulating the system.
Furthermore, a new financial guarantee has been introduced. Applicants must deposit SR2,000 per worker, which will be held to cover the cost of returning workers to their home countries after the visa period ends. This guarantee will be refunded once proof of the worker’s departure from Saudi Arabia is submitted or if the visa is canceled before use.
Saudi Arabia’s Visa Duration and Restrictions
The temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services is valid for a period of 90 days from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah holds the authority to extend this visa by an additional 90 days, ensuring that labor requirements during peak seasons are adequately met. However, visa holders must leave the country before the end of the specified period.
Importantly, the visa does not grant its holder the right to perform Hajj in and around Mecca, nor can it be converted into a permanent work visa or used for other purposes. This distinction is essential to maintain the integrity of the temporary work visa and its intended scope for services only.
Private Sector Flexibility
The updated rules have also been designed to benefit private sector institutions operating during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources emphasized that the temporary work visa rules offer greater flexibility to businesses by allowing them to address their staffing needs based on labor market demand. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance the attractiveness of its job market while maintaining control over the visa system.
For institutions that play a crucial role in facilitating the Umrah season, which follows Hajj each year, these updated regulations provide clarity and operational ease, ensuring that they can hire the necessary temporary workforce without jeopardizing compliance.
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