Ministry of Interior Announces Punishments for Hajj Violations

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior announced that individuals found violating Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit from June 2nd to the 20th will face severe penalties.

Citizens, residents and visitors caught breaching regulations within Makkah, the vicinity of the Grand Mosque, Hajj sites, the Haramain station in Al-Rusayfah, as well as security control centres, sorting centres, and temporary security control centres during this period will incur a fine of SAR 10,000. Residents breaking these rules will face deportation and a ban from reentering the Kingdom, and violators will face an additional SAR 10,000 fine for each subsequent offence.

The ministry mentioned that those caught transporting individuals without a permit to violate Hajj regulations will be subject to imprisonment for up to six months and fined up to SAR 50,000. Additionally, if the violator is an expatriate, their vehicle will be confiscated, and deportation will follow after serving the prison term, with fines escalating in accordance with the number of individuals illegally transported.