Hefty penalties against the misuse of temporary work visa linked to Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi

According to recently adopted regulations, Saudi Arabia has set harsh penalties for the misuse of a temporary work visa associated with services provided during the annual Hajj pilgrimage season and Umrah, or smaller pilgrimage. The new laws punish anybody found to have sold a temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services, transferred it to another person, or utilised it for any purpose other than what it was intended for.

The offender faces a maximum fine of SR50,000, a five-year ban from competing for temporary employment linked to Hajj and Umrah services, or both punishments. The offender will always be required to make a payment equivalent to the money they made from the violation. Depending on how many infractions there are, the punishment will change. 

Additionally, a maximum punishment of SR15,000 will be imposed on an application for a temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services whose provided documents, data, or registration address turn out to be false.

Furthermore, the amended regulations mandate that any worker seeking a temporary work permit for Umrah and Hajj services submit a financial guarantee of SR2,000 to cover the expense of his or her return to his or her home nation. If the worker's visa is cancelled or confirmation of their departure from the kingdom within the allotted time is received, the guarantee will be reimbursed.