Hajj Without Visa to Face Rp456 Million Fine Plus 10-Year Blacklist
The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Jeddah has reminded Indonesian nationals not to recklessly travel to the Holy Land without an official Hajj visa.
Through its post on Instagram @indonesiainjeddah, KJRI Jeddah has warned of strict sanctions awaiting those who proceed anyway.
“Hajj without permission? Fine up to SR100,000 and deportation! Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced strict sanctions for anyone performing Hajj without permission, as well as parties facilitating Hajj for holders of visit visas illegally,” KJRI wrote on its Instagram account on Wednesday (15/4).
KJRI Jeddah stated that this policy applies from 1 Dzulqa’dah (18 April) to 14 Dzulhijjah.
They explained that individuals performing or attempting Hajj without permission, including holders of visit visas entering or staying in Mecca and the holy areas during that period, face fines up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (SR), approximately Rp91.4 million (exchange rate Rp4,569) per individual.
Then, fines up to SR100,000 or approximately Rp456.9 million for those applying for visit visas for individuals violating Hajj rules. Fines apply per person.
“Fines up to SR100,000 are also imposed on parties transporting, providing accommodation, hiding, or assisting visit visa holders to remain in Mecca illegally. Fines will multiply according to the number of violators,” they wrote.
KJRI Jeddah also conveyed that there are deportation sanctions and a 10-year entry ban to Saudi Arabia for violators performing Hajj without permission.
“This applies to all foreigners, including residents and visa overstayers. Vehicles used to transport violators may be confiscated by court decision,” it stated.
In addition, KJRI Jeddah mentioned that any party subject to sanctions has the right to file an objection within 30 days, as well as appeal to the administrative court within 60 days.
It also stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Government urges all citizens, expatriates, and visa holders to comply with applicable Hajj regulations.
Separately, Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah M. Irfan Yusuf, alias Gus Irfan, also warned against any Indonesian nationals recklessly going on Hajj using non-Hajj visas.
Gus Irfan conveyed that this year the Saudi government will monitor it more strictly.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia will be stricter in checks upon entering its territory.
Gus Irfan said he received reports from immigration authorities that last year around 1,000 people were detained in Jeddah for not using Hajj visas.
He also mentioned that last year many people had already entered Saudi Arabia but could not enter Mecca because they did not have Hajj visas.
“They only had pilgrimage visas or work visas,” said Gus Irfan.