Saudi Arabia Arrests Three Indonesian Nationals Suspected of Offering Illegal Hajj Services in Mecca

Security patrols in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, have arrested three Indonesian nationals. They are suspected of posting misleading advertisements on social media offering unofficial or illegal Hajj services. According to Saudi Gazette on Thursday (30/4/2026), security forces seized cash, computer equipment, and fake Hajj identity cards during the operation. Those arrested have been handed over to the Public Prosecution for legal proceedings. The Public Security Police urge all Saudi citizens and foreign nationals to comply with official Hajj regulations and instructions. All parties are asked to report any suspected Hajj violations. However, no detailed information has been provided on the identities of those arrested. Saudi authorities have also not explained whether there are any victims in the alleged Hajj scam. In addition, Arab News reports that Mecca police arrested a Yemeni national for posting fake and misleading advertisements on social media offering false entry permits to Mecca during the Hajj season. Mecca police also arrested five Egyptian nationals for violating Hajj regulations by entering and staying in Mecca without obtaining official Hajj permits. Hajj security forces also arrested a Pakistani national for violating Hajj regulations by bringing five of his compatriots and attempting to enter and stay in Mecca without Hajj permits. Police also detained an Egyptian national for violating Hajj regulations by bringing two Egyptian nationals in a hidden compartment inside a goods vehicle and attempting to enter and stay in Mecca without Hajj permits. Authorities also arrested a Myanmar national for bringing six violators of Hajj regulations and attempting to take them to Mecca. The Saudi Press Agency states that legal action has been taken, and all individuals have been referred to the Public Prosecution. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for violations of entry permit regulations to ensure safe Hajj worship. Fines of up to SAR 20,000 (approximately Rp 92 million) will be imposed on anyone who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without official permission, including holders of visit visas who enter or stay in Mecca or holy sites from 18 April to 31 May. Fines of up to SAR 100,000 (approximately Rp 463 million) will be imposed on anyone who applies for visit visas for individuals who perform or attempt to perform Hajj without official permission or who enter or stay in Mecca and holy sites during the same period. Fines will be multiplied based on the number of violators involved. Similar fines will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Mecca or holy sites during this period. Fines of up to SAR 100,000 will also apply to anyone who provides or attempts to provide accommodation to visit visa holders or assists or hides them. Intruders, including residents and those violating visa validity periods, will be deported and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years. The Ministry will also request courts to confiscate vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Mecca and holy sites during the same period.