Saudi Arabia has waived fines for holders of expired visit, umrah, and final exit visas, allowing them to leave the Kingdom directly through international ports without extending their visas or paying any fees or penalties until April 18.

This came days after the interior ministry directed holders of expired visas of all types (visit, umrah, transit, and final exit) as of February 25 to call the unified contact number for passports, 992, for any inquiries related to departing Saudi Arabia.

The ministry also warned all Saudi citizens and residents against transporting, employing, sheltering or helping any pilgrim who overstayed their visa, threatening jail and punishment for violators.

In a statement on Saturday, the Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports urged all concerned beneficiaries to complete their departure before April 18 to avoid penalties under the country’s regulations.

The announcement came amid widespread travel disruptions in the Middle East and Gulf countries, leading to airspace closures since the U.S.-Israel-Iran war began in February.

The ongoing tensions have resulted in widespread restrictions on activities, especially in the aviation sector, forcing airlines to reroute, divert or cancel services.

More than 40,000 flights were cancelled in the region between February 28 and March, according to data from the aviation analytics company, Cirium.