Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 12 individuals — seven residents and five Saudi citizens — at Makkah’s entry points for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 33 people without valid permits to perform the pilgrimage.

The ministry stated that seasonal administrative committees issued penalties against the transporters, their accomplices, and those they transported.

The punishments included prison sentences, fines of up to SR100,000, public naming of the violators, deportation of resident offenders, and a 10-year re-entry ban following their sentence completion.

Authorities also requested the judicial confiscation of vehicles used in the unauthorized transport of pilgrims and warned of fines up to SR20,000 for anyone attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.

The ministry reiterated its call for all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to safeguard the safety and security of pilgrims during the holy season.

In a related case, security patrols in the Makkah Region arrested four Indonesian nationals for promoting fraudulent Hajj campaigns on social media.

The suspects offered fake accommodation and transportation services and were found in possession of forged Nusuk Hajj cards.

They also harbored 14 individuals without Hajj permits in a building in violation of pilgrimage regulations.

The suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action, while the unauthorized pilgrims were turned over to the appropriate authorities for penalties to be applied.

The Public Security Directorate urged the public to report Hajj violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other areas of the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Interior also reaffirmed that holders of visit visas — including those for tourism, family, or business — are not allowed to perform Hajj. Violators will face fines of up to SR20,000, deportation, and a 10-year ban from re-entry.

These penalties apply to anyone found entering, attempting to enter, or staying in Makkah and the holy sites from Dhul-Qi’dah 1 to Dhul-Hijjah 14 without a Hajj permit.

The ministry stressed the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s Hajj regulations to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rites safely, securely, and with ease.