Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced on Monday new penalties for individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj.
The penalties include:
First: A financial fine of up to 20,000 SAR will be imposed on:
- Individuals found performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.
- Holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or remain in Mecca and the holy sites from the first day of Dhu al-Qi’dah until the end of the 14th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Second: A financial fine of up to 100,000 SAR will be imposed on:
- Individuals who apply for any visit visa for someone who has performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit, or who attempted to enter or stay in Mecca and the holy sites during the specified period.
- Fines will be multiplied for each individual for whom a visit visa was issued and who performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit or entered or stayed in Mecca and the holy sites.
- Those who transport visit visa holders or attempt to do so to bring them to Mecca and the holy sites from the first day of Dhu al-Qi’dah until the end of the 14th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
- Individuals who shelter visit visa holders in any residential facility (hotels, apartments, private residences, shelters, or other accommodations for pilgrims), or assist them in any way that facilitates their stay in Mecca and the holy sites during the specified period. Fines will be multiplied for each person sheltered or assisted.
Third: Illegal entrants for Hajj, including residents and overstayers, will be deported to their home countries and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years.
Fourth: The Ministry has requested the competent court to order the confiscation of land transport vehicles found to have been used to transport visit visa holders to Mecca and the holy sites during the aforementioned period, if the vehicle is owned by the transporter, accomplice, or collaborator.
These measures aim to ensure the proper conduct of Hajj and safeguard the sanctity and safety of the pilgrimage.
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