Saudi to Impose Nearly Half a Billion Rupiah Fine on Facilitators of Illegal Hajj Pilgrims
The Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially announced on Tuesday (14/4/2026) severe sanctions against individuals who dare to perform Hajj without permission (tasrikh), as well as parties that facilitate visit visa holders to perform Hajj illegally.
This regulation is enforced to ensure the smooth running of Hajj worship and the safety of official pilgrims. According to the Saudi Gazette, the sanctions will take effect from 1 Dhu al-Qa’dah, corresponding to 18 April 2026, until the end of the Hajj season on 14 Dhu al-Hijjah.
Some points of punishment for Hajj violators:
Hajj without permission: A maximum fine of SR 20,000 (approximately Rp 85 million) will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without permission. Similar sanctions apply to holders of all types of visit visas who dare to enter or stay in Makkah and the holy areas during the prohibited period (18 April - 14 Dhu al-Hijjah).
Providers of facilities and accommodation: A maximum fine of SR 100,000 (approximately Rp 425 million) will be imposed on anyone who assists in facilitating, providing accommodation, or supplying transportation for illegal visit visa holders to perform Hajj. The fine amount will double according to the number of individuals assisted or hidden.
Deportation and ban: Foreign residents (expatriates) or visa holders who violate these rules will be deported to their home countries and prohibited from re-entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
Vehicle seizure: The competent court may decide to seize vehicles used to transport illegal pilgrims if the vehicles belong to the facilitators or their accomplices.
Rights to appeal and reporting
The Ministry states that individuals subject to sanctions have the right to file objections with the competent committee within 30 days from the notification of the decision. Additionally, appeals can be submitted to the Administrative Court within 60 days.
The Saudi Arabian government urges all citizens, expatriates, and visitors to comply with applicable regulations to maintain the sanctity and order of Hajj worship. The public is also asked to report violations through the emergency number 911 in the Makkah region.