Makkah: The Ministry of Interior announced that Hajj Security Forces stationed at the entrances to Makkah arrested 10 residents and 16 citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 83 individuals who did not possess the required permits to perform Hajj.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry stated that the seasonal administrative committees issued decisions against the transporters, their accomplices, and those transported. The penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to SAR100,000, public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban on reentry into the Kingdom following the completion of their sentence.
The ministry also called for the judicial confiscation of vehicles used in the unauthorized transport of pilgrims and emphasized that individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit may face a fine of up to SAR20,000.
The Ministry of Interior urged all citizens and residents to strictly comply with Hajj regulations and instructions to safeguard the safety and security of pilgrims as they perform their rituals.