The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced strict hajj permit rules for anyone who tries to perform Hajj without a valid permit. The rules will apply from the first of Dhul-Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Anyone caught performing or trying to perform Hajj without a permit will face a fine of up to SAR 20,000. The same fine will apply to visitors with any visa type who enter or remain in Makkah or the holy sites during the restricted period without authorisation.
Penalties for Performing Hajj Without a Permit
Stricter penalties will target those who assist violators. A fine of up to SAR 100,000 will be imposed on anyone who sponsors a visit visa, transports, accommodates, or assists unauthorised pilgrims. This fine will apply for each person involved. Hosting illegal pilgrims in hotels, private homes, shelters, or any Hajj accommodations will also be punishable.
Read more: Millions in Hajj Funds Sent to Wrong Account
Residents or visa overstayers attempting to perform Hajj without authorisation will be deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for ten years. Authorities will also seize vehicles used to transport illegal pilgrims if the facilitator owns the vehicle.
Tough Penalties for Violators and Supporters
The Ministry stressed that these measures are necessary to ensure the safety, security, and organisation of the annual pilgrimage. Citizens, residents, and visitors have been urged to strictly follow Hajj regulations to avoid serious legal consequences.
This includes hosting them in hotels, apartments, private houses, shelters or any official Hajj accommodations. The fine will be applied for each person involved in the violation.
If someone is caught trying to perform Hajj illegally and they are a resident or have overstayed their visa, they will be deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for ten years.
The authorities will also seize any vehicles used to transport illegal Hajj performers if the transporter or facilitator owns the vehicle.
The Ministry has clearly stated: “These measures will ensure the safety, security and organisation of the annual pilgrimage.” It also called on all citizens, residents and visitors to follow Hajj laws strictly to avoid legal trouble.
No outside sources were mentioned in this announcement. All details come from the official statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Interior.
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