RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to prevent unauthorized access to Makkah and the holy sites ahead of the Hajj season, with the Ministry of Interior warning that individuals attempting to perform Hajj without permits as well as those assisting them will face arrest and serious penalties.
In recent operations, the Hajj Security Forces stationed at the entrances to Makkah arrested five residents and seven Saudi citizens who were found transporting a total of 35 people without the required Hajj permits.
The ministry confirmed that administrative actions were swiftly taken against the transporters, accomplices, and those being transported.
Penalties include prison terms, fines of up to SR100,000 (approximately $26,600), confiscation of vehicles used in the offenses, public naming of violators, deportation of non-citizens, and a 10-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia for residents after serving their sentences. Additionally, individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj without a permit face fines of up to SR20,000.
In a separate incident, an Indian resident was arrested for transporting 22 expatriates with visit visas but without Hajj permits.
The case has been referred to the proper authorities for prosecution, and the individuals involved are expected to be charged accordingly.
The ministry reiterated the importance of respecting Hajj regulations, which are in place to ensure the safety and organization of the pilgrimage.
Performing or attempting Hajj without official permission is strictly prohibited during the restricted period from April 29 to June 10.
To support enforcement, the public has been urged to report any violations by contacting emergency numbers 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Earlier this week, authorities reported the arrest of 20 residents and 17 citizens for transporting 121 unauthorized individuals attempting to perform Hajj, further emphasizing the government’s firm stance on upholding Hajj security regulations.
