Ministry Of Interior Announces Penalties For Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims And Their Facilitators

The Ministry of Interior has outlined penalties for those violating Hajj permit regulations. From Dhul-Qi'dah 1 to Dhul-Hijjah 14, fines will be enforced. Individuals performing Hajj without a permit face fines up to SAR20,000. This applies to those on visit visas entering or staying in Makkah and holy sites during this period.

Those facilitating such violations will also face penalties. A fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone applying for a visit visa for individuals attempting Hajj without a permit or staying in Makkah unlawfully. This fine increases with each person involved.

Transporting visit visa holders to Makkah during this period incurs similar fines. The penalty applies to those providing accommodation, including hotels and private housing, or concealing their presence. Fines multiply per individual sheltered or assisted.

Illegal infiltrators attempting Hajj will be deported and banned from re-entering Saudi Arabia for ten years. This measure targets residents and overstayers trying to perform Hajj without permits.

The Ministry seeks court approval to confiscate vehicles used in transporting violators if owned by the transporter or accomplices. This step aims to deter illegal transportation of visit visa holders into restricted areas during the specified period.

The enforcement of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to regulations during the Hajj season. The measures aim to maintain order and ensure only those with proper permits participate in the pilgrimage.

With inputs from SPA