Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Jul 15: Saudi Arabia has cautioned expatriates against remaining in the Kingdom after the expiry of their entry visas, warning that violators could face fines of up to SR50,000, imprisonment for as long as six months, followed by deportation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior urged all visa holders to strictly follow the country's immigration regulations and avoid overstaying their authorised period of stay.

The ministry also appealed to the public to report violations related to residency, labour and border security laws. Authorities said such complaints can be made by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, while residents in other regions can report violations by dialling 999.

The advisory comes amid intensified efforts by Saudi authorities to enforce immigration and residency regulations across the Kingdom.

Last week, the Interior Ministry announced that more than 15,000 people had been arrested during a nationwide drive targeting violations of residency, labour and border security laws, highlighting the government's continuing crackdown on immigration-related offences.

Saudi officials have reiterated their commitment to strict enforcement of immigration regulations and urged both residents and visitors to comply with the law to avoid fines, imprisonment and deportation.