In this file photo, a police officer detains an illegal African immigrant in Thamama, Riyadh.

The Passport Department has again warned that people overstaying their visas will face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment and deportation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said those committing an offense the first time would be fined SR15,000 and deported. Repeat offenders face a SR25,000 fine, three months in jail and deportation. A third offense would result in a SR50,000 fine, six months in jail and deportation.

There would also be punishment for Saudi sponsors, and deportation of non-Saudi sponsors. The department said enquiries can be made at [email protected], according to a press report on Tuesday.

The government has instituted several measures over the years to prevent people overstaying in the country, including a fingerprinting system, an amnesty and a period for expatriates to correct their status.

It has also introduced an e-service for Umrah and Haj pilgrims so that it knows immediately if a person has entered the country and when he or she leaves. The government has urged citizens and expatriates to not employ illegal workers.

Related articles across the web

• Islamic State Or Wahhabi Colony? - Tony Cartalucci
• Islamic State or Wahhabi Colony?
• Confusion clouds Saudi Arabia's coalition against militancy | Reuters
• Makkah crane collapse: Five engineers, technicians found guilty
• ISIS videos call for attacks against Saudi Arabia, slam the anti-extremism alliance
• Initial Results Show 5 Saudi Women Elected for First Time
• Analysts: Saudi Arabia's Clerics Inspire Islamic Extremism
• Two ballistic missiles fired at Saudi from Yemen: coalition
• Discrimination case highlights police bias toward immigrants, advocates say