Makkah: The Ministry of Interior announced that Hajj Security Forces at the entrances to Makkah apprehended seven residents and 32 citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 146 individuals without Hajj permits.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry issued administrative decisions against the transporters, accomplices, and those transported. Penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to SAR100,000, public naming of violators, deportation of residents with a 10-year entry ban after serving the sentence, judicial requests to confiscate the vehicles used, and a fine of up to SAR20,000 for attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.
The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals in safety and security.