Saudi Arabia cracks down on overstayed pilgrims

Saudi Arabia on Monday started a crackdown on foreign pilgrims overstaying their Hajj visas, a local media report says.

Saudi authorities said that the offenders would have to pay an equivalent of 13,329 dollars in fine, face six months in jail and deportation.

“Those who transport, recruit or shelter overstayed pilgrims will face up to 26,662 dollars in fine and six months in jail,” it noted.

According to Saudi authorities, the visa for pilgrims, or Hajj visa, cannot be renewed while those with such visas cannot take up jobs or go outside Mecca.

Report says around 1.8 million pilgrims took part in the last pilgrimage season, majority of them were foreigners.