“On March 18, security sources from the Ministry of Interior revealed that Lieutenant General Salem Al-Nawaf, the Ministry’s Undersecretary, is emphasizing strict enforcement of laws concerning violations of recently permitted visit visas. Visitors who exceed the allowed duration, typically one month, will be given an additional week to rectify the violation. Failure to comply, along with paying fines, will lead to deportation for both the visitor and their sponsor, as reported by Al-Jarida daily.

In regards to the Ministry’s decision to regularize the status of residency violators, 652 individuals submitted requests on the first day of the grace period to Residency Affairs Departments to adjust their status by the announced deadline, starting Sunday, March 17, and extending until June 17.

Among them, 258 expatriates departed the country via the airport after authorities confirmed they were not wanted and had no outstanding financial fines with the state. Concurrently, the Ministry of Interior, alongside relevant departments, has begun receiving residency law violators seeking to rectify their status or depart the country during the grace period.

This joint effort involves multiple administrations with the aim of facilitating the regularization of residency status for violators by June 17, 2024. The Ministry has outlined terms for the grace period, allowing violators to amend their status after paying fines and following specified procedures. Departing individuals during this period may return under new procedures. However, failure to rectify status or leave within the grace period will result in legal penalties, deportation, and a ban on re-entry.”