Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Interior has taken punitive measures against 20 people, including 15 Saudis and five expatriates, for violating Hajj regulations. The Hajj Security Forces arrested them at the entry points to Makkah while transporting 94 individuals without Hajj permits.

The ministry has initiated administrative decisions against all involved parties: the transporters, their accomplices, and the unauthorized pilgrims. These decisions include prison sentences, fines reaching up to SR100,000, and public defamation for transporters. Expatriate violators will face deportation and a 10-year ban from reentering Saudi Arabia after serving their sentences. Vehicles used in these violations will be confiscated.

The ministry reiterated that anyone attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will face a fine of up to SR20,000. It urged all citizens and residents to strictly adhere to Hajj regulations and instructions, while emphasizing that this compliance is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of all pilgrims as they perform their sacred rituals.