Indian Embassy Announces Relief for Travellers Whose Visas Expired Due to Flight Cancellations
Saudi Arabia: In a major relief for Indian nationals stranded in Saudi Arabia due to disruptions in international flight services, authorities have announced that travellers whose visas expired during the disruption will be allowed to leave the country without paying overstay fines or facing penalties.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that Indian citizens who were unable to return home because of flight cancellations and disruptions would be permitted to depart without facing legal action for overstaying their visas.
Indian Embassy Advises Travellers to Return as Soon as Flights Resume
The Embassy has advised affected Indian nationals to make arrangements to return to their home country as soon as regular flight operations resume.
The announcement comes as a significant relief to hundreds of Indian travellers who have been stranded in Saudi Arabia following unexpected disruptions to international air services.
Visitors holding tourist visas, Umrah visas, business visas, and other short-term entry permits have been particularly affected. Many travellers have already exceeded their permitted duration of stay because they were unable to secure return flights.
The decision to waive overstay penalties is expected to provide considerable relief to those facing uncertainty over their immigration status.
Alternative Travel Routes Through Qatar and Bahrain
The Indian Embassy has also advised stranded travellers to explore alternative flight options through neighbouring countries, including Qatar and Bahrain, wherever suitable connections are available.
Travellers seeking to return to India may consider flights departing from airports in these neighbouring countries, subject to operational availability and applicable entry or transit requirements.
Umrah Pilgrims Among the Worst Affected
The ongoing flight disruptions have created serious difficulties for Indian Umrah pilgrims, particularly those travelling from Kerala.
Most Umrah travel packages from Kerala are arranged for approximately 15 or 30 days. Unexpected extensions to their stay have resulted in additional financial burdens for pilgrims and their families.
Extended accommodation expenses, food costs, and the need to reschedule or purchase new return tickets have significantly increased travel expenses.
Many pilgrims are also facing uncertainty regarding their return dates, placing additional pressure on travellers who had planned their journeys according to fixed schedules.
Indian Nationals Injured in Riyadh Airport Attack
Meanwhile, the report states that several Indian nationals sustained injuries in an attack targeting Riyadh Airport.
According to the information reported, four injured Indian nationals are receiving treatment in intensive care units, while another four are undergoing treatment in hospital wards.
The Indian Embassy has also advised citizens against sharing or circulating photographs and videos related to attacks through social media platforms.
Relief for Indian Travellers in Saudi Arabia
The exemption from overstay penalties is expected to help affected Indian nationals return home without additional immigration-related financial burdens.
Travellers are advised to follow official announcements from the Indian Embassy, Saudi immigration authorities, and their respective airlines for updated information regarding flight operations, visa-related exemptions, and departure arrangements.
Important: This article is an English adaptation of the supplied Malayalam news report. The visa exemption, airport incident, and hospitalisation figures have not been independently verified against current official announcements.
