RIYADH: The government will impose a penalty of SR15,000 each on the sponsor and visitor who overstays his visa in the Kingdom.
Gen. Sulaiman Al-Suhaibani, Riyadh Region director of passports, said that such a host will be prevented from traveling abroad, and the overstaying visitor will not be allowed to enter the Kingdom for three years from the time of his last departure.
Al-Suhaibani explained that it is the responsibility of the host to see that his visitor leaves before his visa expires, and at the same time, he added, the visitor also is liable for punishment since staying here after visa expiration is a violation of law.
A visitor to the Kingdom is normally given a month’s entry visa. However, this can be extended on a request made by the sponsor who can process the extension on payment of a nominal fee. Business visas are issued to foreign businessmen depending on their needs and on the recommendation of local sponsors. Haj and Umrah visas are not extended unless on medical grounds.
