Saudi Ministry Of Interior Sets Fines For Hajj Permit Violations In 2024

The Ministry of Interior has recently declared the initiation of penalties for individuals violating Hajj regulations and instructions. This action targets those found without a Hajj permit in specific areas including Makkah, the central region, Holy Sites, the Haramain train station in Rusayfah, and various security control points. The enforcement period is set from June 2, 2024, to June 20, 2024.

A significant fine of SAR10,000 will be levied on citizens, residents, and visitors discovered in the designated areas without a Hajj permit. For residents, the consequences extend beyond the financial penalty to include deportation and a prohibition on re-entry into the Kingdom for a duration determined by law. The Ministry underscores the critical nature of adhering to these regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.

Repeat offenders will incur a doubled fine of SAR10,000, highlighting the Ministry's commitment to strict enforcement. Additionally, transporting individuals without a Hajj permit is considered a grave violation. Offenders may face up to six months in jail and a fine up to SAR50,000. The judicial system may also order the confiscation of the transportation means involved in such violations. Expatriates found guilty of this offense will be deported after serving their sentence and banned from re-entering Saudi Arabia for a legally specified period.

The severity of penalties escalates with the number of violators transported, indicating a proportional approach to enforcement. The Ministry has made provisions for the public to report any infractions by calling (911) in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province or (999) in other regions across the Kingdom.

This move by the Ministry of Interior underscores the importance of maintaining order and discipline during Hajj, ensuring that all pilgrims can perform their rituals in a safe and secure environment. The specified penalties aim not only to deter violations but also to reinforce the sanctity of the Hajj pilgrimage. Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to uphold these regulations for the benefit of all involved.

With inputs from SPA