Riyadh, Jul 13 (Arab News): Authorities have warned Umrah pilgrims and visitors to adhere to their visa deadline and leave the Kingdom before it expires in order to avoid punishment.

In an awareness campaign, the General Directorate of Passport (GDP) has listed penalties that will be imposed on any foreigner who overstays his or her visa — SR50,000 fine, six-month jail followed by deportation.

The directorate also appealed to citizens and residents to ensure that their guests who arrived on visit or pilgrimage visas leave the Kingdom before the deadline.

It warned that any delay on part of the host (if he is a foreigner) in reporting a violation would attract the same penalty of deportation.

The directorate, meanwhile, warned companies against employing violators of the residency law. Offenders might be fined SR100,000. The company might be banned from recruitment for five years. The company owner also faces one-year jail to be followed by deportation, if he is a foreigner.