Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj, as well as for those who facilitate such violations.
According to Saudi Press Agency, starting from Dhul-Qi'dah 1 until the end of Dhul-Hijjah 14, specific penalties will be enforced. First, individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, and holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah city and the holy sites during this period, will face a fine of up to SAR20,000.
Further, a fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period. This penalty will multiply for each individual involved. The same fine applies to those who transport or attempt to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during this period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites. This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay, with the fine multiplying for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.
Additionally, illegal infiltrators attempting to perform Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years. The relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.