Imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 riyals…a penalty for all residents and expatriate workers in the Kingdom

This morning, the Saudi passports announced a new decision regarding imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 riyals, and this is a penalty for all residents and expatriate workers in the Kingdom in the occurrence of that violation.

Hussein Hijazi, a member of the Hajj and Umrah Committee of the Makkah Chamber, warned pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, not to miss the dates of their return to their countries after performing the Umrah.
In this article, we will talk about the importance of adhering to the dates of return after performing the rituals of Umrah, and the warnings of Saudi passports in this regard, in addition to the penalties that those who fail to return may be exposed to. We will also discuss the procedures taken by the responsible authorities in Egypt to follow up on Umrah and protect the rights of pilgrims and tourism companies. In conclusion, we will give some tips to avoid penalties and the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations.

Umrah is one of the most important religious rites that Muslims perform, as they seek to perform Umrah in the Holy Lands of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, pilgrims must take care to adhere to the dates of returning to their countries after performing the Umrah. If they fail to do so, they may be subject to penalties that may affect their future freedom of travel and cause legal and financial problems.

The importance of adhering to the dates of return after Umrah

Commitment to return dates after Umrah is very important. Performing Umrah requires allocating a specific time to perform religious rituals and visit the Prophet’s Mosque and the Kaaba. Therefore, pilgrims must respect the deadlines set for returning to their country. This is due to several reasons, including:

Maintaining security and order:

Commitment to return dates maintains security and order in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Refusing to return after performing Umrah contributes to organizing the movement of pilgrims and facilitating traffic and inspection procedures.

Avoid penalties:

Saudi law warns pilgrims not to miss the return dates after Umrah, and stipulates the imposition of severe penalties for violators. Hence the importance of adhering to deadlines to avoid these penalties.

Personal reputation:

Failure to return after Umrah can affect the reputation of the pilgrim or Muslim in society. Punctuality reflects a commitment to religious values ​​and morals and is a symbol of discipline and respect.

Saudi passport warnings

Saudi passports warn those coming from outside the Kingdom to perform Umrah not to miss the dates of their return to their country after performing the Umrah. These warnings come within the framework of the endeavor to ensure the organization of the movement of pilgrims, ensure their safety, and maintain security and order in the Kingdom.

Departure date for pilgrims

According to Hussein Hijazi, a member of the Hajj and Umrah Committee of the Chamber of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the last date for the pilgrims to leave the Holy Land will be on the 29th of Dhu al-Qi`dah 1444 AH. Therefore, pilgrims must organize their schedule and appointments so that they can return to their country on time.

Penalties for failure to return

Saudi passports impose severe penalties on those who fail to return after performing Umrah. These penalties include:

• A fine of 50,000 Saudi riyals.
• Imprisonment and deportation outside Saudi territory.
• Putting the name of those who failed to return among the names that are prohibited from entering the Kingdom for a period of no less than 5 years.
• Responsible authorities in Egypt to follow up on Umrah

In the Egyptian context, the Chamber of Tourism Companies established a “Umrah Market Monitoring Unit” to monitor any advertisements or violations that would harm tourism companies and citizens alike. This unit aims to protect the rights of pilgrims and tourism companies, and to ensure that companies adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated in the law.

Chamber procedures to protect the rights of pilgrims and tourism companies

The Chamber has set a number of special rules to preserve the rights of pilgrims and tourism companies, including:

• Determining prices and financial costs related to Umrah and preventing any price manipulation.
• Determine travel and return dates and ensure adherence to them.
• Ensuring the provision of necessary services for Umrah performers during their trip and stay in the Kingdom.
• Providing safe and comfortable means of transportation for pilgrims during their movements.

Steps to avoid penalties

To avoid penalties for not returning after Umrah, pilgrims should take the following steps:

• Organizing the schedule: Umrah pilgrims must determine the date of return after Umrah and organize their schedule so that they are able to return on the specified date.
• Contacting the tour company: Umrah pilgrims should contact the tour company responsible for their trip, confirm the return date, and ensure that the company adheres to the specified dates.
• Follow up on legal procedures: Umrah pilgrims must follow up on legal procedures and ensure that all documents and permits necessary for travel and return are completed.
• Adherence to instructions and directives: Umrah pilgrims must adhere to the guidelines and directives issued by the Saudi authorities and tourism companies concerned with organizing Umrah.

The importance of adhering to rules and regulations

In conclusion, adherence to the rules and regulations related to Umrah should be a priority for pilgrims. Commitment to deadlines and legal rules enhances security and order in the Kingdom and protects the rights of pilgrims and tourism companies. Therefore, pilgrims should be aware of the laws and instructions and abide by them to avoid potential legal and financial problems.