RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a series of penalties for individuals violating Hajj permit regulations and for those who aid such violations.
The penalties, effective from Tuesday until approximately June 10, include fines of up to SR20,000 ($5,331) for individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, as well as for holders of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah and the holy sites during the restricted period.
A separate fine of up to SR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for individuals intending to violate Hajj regulations or assists them in entering or staying in the restricted areas.
The fines will multiply based on the number of individuals involved.
The same penalty will apply to those who transport, shelter, conceal, or assist visit visa holders attempting to stay in Makkah or the holy sites.
This includes providing accommodation in hotels, apartments, private homes, or pilgrim housing sites.
Additionally, illegal infiltrators, including residents and overstayers attempting to perform Hajj, will face deportation and a 10-year ban from re-entering the Kingdom.
The ministry also stated that vehicles used to transport violators may be confiscated, subject to a court ruling, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or their accomplices.
[Reported by Arab News]
