Breaking News: Hajj 1445 – Saudi Authorities Enforce Punishments for Hajj Regulation Violators Without Permits

Riyadh, 25 Dhul-Qi’dah 1445 AH (June 2, 2024)

Saudi Public Security has commenced the enforcement of penalties for individuals violating Hajj regulations, specifically targeting those caught without a Hajj permit. This enforcement applies within the Holy City of Mecca, the central region, the Holy Sites, the Al-Haramain train station in Al-Rusaifah, security control centers, sorting centers, and temporary security control centers, effective from today, 25 Dhul-Qi’dah 1445 AH until 14 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH (June 2, 2024, to June 20, 2024).

Public Security has confirmed that violators of Hajj regulations without a permit will face a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals. This applies to all citizens, residents, and visitors found within the designated geographical areas without a valid Hajj permit. Additionally, resident violators will be deported to their home countries and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for periods specified by law.

The Public Security Directorate emphasized that repeat offenders will incur doubled fines, highlighting the necessity of adhering to Hajj regulations to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals in safety, security, and comfort.

It is also important to note that individuals caught transporting violators of Hajj regulations without a permit face imprisonment of up to six months and fines of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals. Furthermore, there will be a judicial order to confiscate the means of land transportation used. If the transporter is an expatriate, they will be deported after the penalty is enforced and prohibited from re-entering the Kingdom for specified periods. The financial fines will increase based on the number of violators transported.

To report violations, please contact (911) in the regions of Mecca, Riyadh, and Al-Sharqiyah, and (999) in other regions of the Kingdom.