A maximum fine of SR50,000 or a ban on participating in competitions for temporary work related to Hajj and Umrah services will be imposed on the violator for a period of up to five years, or both, reported the Saudi newspaper Okaz.

In all cases, the offender will have to pay an amount equal to the profits he obtained thanks to the violation. The penalty would vary depending on the number of violations.

Additionally, an applicant for a temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services, whose registered address, data or documents submitted are found to be incorrect, will be liable to a maximum fine of SR15,000. .

The updated rules further stipulate that the applicant for a temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services must provide a financial guarantee of SR2,000 for each worker to cover the costs of their return to their country original. The guarantee will be refunded upon receipt of proof of the worker’s departure from the kingdom within the stipulated period, or in the event of cancellation of the visa.

According to the update, the temporary work visa holder can stay for 90 days from the date of entry into the kingdom.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has the right to extend the visa for another 90 days, and the holder must leave the kingdom before the end of this period.

The visa does not allow its holder to perform Hajj in and around the Saudi holy city of Mecca. Temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services also cannot be converted into temporary work visa for other purposes or permanent work.

Earlier this month, the Saudi government approved organizational rules for temporary work visas.

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources said the measure would provide great flexibility to the private sector to use temporary visas according to their needs and labor market requirements, making the labor market more attractive.

The ministry noted that the updated regulations also take into account the needs of institutions operating during the Umrah season which begins every year after the end of the Hajj season.