Saudi Arabia Travel Alert for Pakistanis: Rules You Need to Know

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani citizens living in or planning to travel to Saudi Arabia have been issued important guidelines regarding local laws and restrictions, with authorities urging them to avoid legal violations and comply with Saudi regulations.

According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), Pakistani nationals have been advised not to hand over their passports to employers or sponsors. The passport is a personal document, and those whose passports are confiscated have been advised to contact the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate.

Pakistanis have also been urged not to remain in Saudi Arabia after the expiry of their residence permits or visas and not to work for another individual or organization without the permission of their sponsor.

The guidelines advise citizens to avoid dealing with illegal agents or middlemen, attempting to enter another country through unauthorized means, and engaging in harassment or inappropriate behavior toward women.

Pakistani citizens have also been instructed not to participate in any public protests and strikes or attend any unauthorized gathering. They have been asked to refrain from photographing any sensitive government or security installations and discussing political and sensitive matters publicly.

Consumption of alcohol, drugs, and gambling is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Pakistani citizens have thus been asked to keep themselves clear of such activities, particularly the serious consequences for drug-related offences.

Travelers carrying medicines have been told to check the applicable laws and obtain the necessary prescriptions for bringing medicines to the country. It has been emphasized that travelers should not carry anything which may create religious sensitivities.

Authorities have also urged Pakistanis to exercise caution on social media. Citizens have been advised against sharing content targeting the Saudi government or royal family, posting insulting material about religion or holy figures, sharing obscene content, or publishing another person’s photograph or video online without permission.

The guidelines also prohibit the use of hawala or other illegal channels for transferring money, involvement in money laundering or suspicious financial transactions, and the use of forged documents.

Regarding traffic regulations, Pakistanis have been advised not to use mobile phones while driving, run red lights or exceed speed limits. They have also been warned against operating taxis or other passenger transport services without the required authorization.

In addition, citizens have been asked to stay away from spitting, littering, and making their surroundings unhygienic in public places. During the month of Ramadan, citizens have been asked not to smoke in public, to abstain from making baseless accusations, and to avoid any activity that might lead to defamation.

It has also been emphasized by the government that religious preaching in unauthorized ways or converting others to another religion is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia.

As far as punishment for any violation is concerned, it has been mentioned that it would depend upon the nature of the violation and the laws of Saudi Arabia.

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