RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced a series of stringent penalties targeting those who attempt to perform Hajj without the required permit, as well as those who assist in such violations.
The new regulations will be in effect from the first of Dhul-Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Under the updated rules, individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a valid permit will face fines of up to SAR 20,000. This also applies to holders of any type of visit visa who enter or stay in Makkah or other holy sites during the restricted period without proper authorization.
Penalties for facilitators are even stricter. Anyone who sponsors a visit visa for a violator of the Hajj permit regulations will be fined up to SAR 100,000. This same penalty applies to those who assist unauthorized individuals by transporting, housing, or aiding them in reaching or staying in Makkah and the holy sites. This includes accommodations in hotels, private residences, and designated Hajj housing, with fines being multiplied for each additional person involved.
In addition, individuals who attempt to perform Hajj illegally, whether residents or overstayers, will face deportation and a ten-year re-entry ban to the Kingdom.
Authorities will also request the confiscation of land vehicles used to transport unauthorized individuals to the holy sites, particularly if they belong to the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.
The Ministry stressed that these measures are essential for ensuring the safety, security, and proper organization of the Hajj pilgrimage, and urged all citizens, residents, and visitors to fully adhere to the regulations.
