Saudi authorities have announced strict penalties for individuals attempting to perform Hajj without an official visa and permit, with enforcement set to begin before the pilgrimage rituals commence and extending until after Eid al-Adha.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Interior confirmed penalties including both entry bans and hefty fines for violators of regulations requiring official authorisation to perform Hajj.
Among the announced penalties:
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- A fine of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (approximately USD 5,300) for anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including visitors holding any type of visit visa who attempt to enter or remain in the holy city of Mecca and the sacred sites.
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- A fine of up to 100,000 riyals (around USD 26,000) for anyone who requests a visit visa for another person who subsequently attempts to perform Hajj without a permit or enters Mecca or the holy sites unlawfully.
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- Similar penalties will apply to individuals found transporting visit visa holders into Mecca or the sacred sites, or those found sheltering them, covering up their presence, or aiding them in any way that enables them to remain in restricted areas.
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- Deportation and a 10-year re-entry ban will be imposed on residents and overstayers caught infiltrating the pilgrimage.
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- The Ministry will also request that relevant courts order the confiscation of any vehicles used to transport unauthorized pilgrims.
These penalties will be enforced from the first day of Dhul Qa’dah (corresponding to Tuesday) until the end of the 14th day of Dhul Hijjah (around June 10), subject to the confirmed lunar sighting that marks the beginning of the Hajj month.
The statement clarified that penalties will be applied per individual, meaning fines will multiply with each unauthorized person being sheltered, transported, or assisted.
Last year, the total number of Hajj pilgrims reached 2,833,164, including 221,854 from within the Kingdom, according to Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
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