Saudi Arabia Imposes Sanctions on Those Involved in Illegal Hajj

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has imposed sanctions on four foreign nationals and three Saudi citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 13 pilgrims to Makkah without a Hajj permit. The ministry said hajj security authorities apprehended them at the entrances to Mecca. The ministry subsequently issued administrative sanctions through the Seasonal Administrative Committee.

The sanctions include fines of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals for the transporters and others involved in the violation. In addition, prison terms and the publication of the offenders’ names in local media at their own expense were imposed. The decision also includes fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals for those who provided transport in an attempt to perform Hajj without permission. Deportation for foreign nationals, and a 10-year ban on re-entering the Kingdom after serving the sentence, were also included.

Additionally, legal action was filed to seize the vehicles used to transport the violators. The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions.