Hyderabad, April 24 -- As preparations for Haj 2025 intensify, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior (MoI) has issued a stern warning to expatriates: those who overstay their visas will face penalties of up to 50,000 Saudi Riyals (Rs 11,37,712), six months imprisonment, and deportation.

The MoI emphasised that all visa types - except the official Haj visa - do not grant permission to perform the pilgrimage.

The statement, issued via X, urged the public to report violators of Haj regulations by dialing 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

In addition, the ministry also warned licensed Haj and Umrah operators to comply with all regulations. Companies that fail to report individuals who overstay ...