Saudi Authorities Warn Against Transporting or Harboring Violators of Hajj Regulations
By: Hazem Abdo
The Ministries of Hajj and Umrah and Interior in Saudi Arabia have issued a warning to citizens and residents of Mecca regarding the harboring or transporting of individuals who violate Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit or Hajj visa. The authorities emphasized that anyone caught engaging in such activities will face strict penalties.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah shared a video clip on social media depicting joint field team operations with the Ministry of Interior. These operations aim to arrest violators and fraudsters promoting fake Hajj campaigns. The message to pilgrims said: “You have a choice between a conforming, facilitated Hajj with a permit with services or circumventing the regulations and facing penalties.”
The Saudi Ministry of Interior reiterated on its social media platforms that those who transport individuals without proper Hajj permits will face fines, imprisonment, or both. It stressed the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations to ensure the security and safety of pilgrims.
Violators of Hajj regulations, including citizens, residents, and visitors, are subject to a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals. Residents violating these rules face deportation and a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia for specified periods. Those who transport violators may be fined up to 50,000 Saudi riyals and imprisoned for up to six months. Additionally, land transport vehicles used in these violations will be confiscated by judicial order, and expatriate violators will be deported and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for specified periods.
