Three Indonesians Arrested in Saudi Arabia Over Illegal Hajj Services, Cash and Fake Hajj ID Cards Seized

Security personnel in Makkah arrested three Indonesian citizens after they uploaded misleading advertisements on social media offering unlicensed Hajj services. According to Saudigazette on Thursday (30 April 2026), the authorities seized cash, computer equipment, and fake Hajj identification cards during the operation. The arrested suspects have been handed over to the Public Prosecution for legal follow-up.

Police urge all citizens and expatriates to strictly adhere to Hajj regulations and official instructions, and to report suspected violations by contacting 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other areas of the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasises that the Hajj visa is the only officially approved visa for Hajj pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. According to Saudi Gazette on Tuesday (14 April 2026), the Ministry clarified that Hajj is not permitted for holders of visit visas, transit visas, Umrah visas, or any form of tourist visa.

The Ministry also stated that Hajj permits for pilgrims residing within the Kingdom, including citizens and residents, are issued through the Nusuk application after completing the booking process.

The Ministry stresses that official bookings are only made through approved official channels. It warns against using unofficial channels to book places for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Previously, Saudi Arabia imposed a ban on expatriates without official permits from entering the city of Makkah starting Monday (13 April 2026), as part of the series of regulations for organising this year’s Hajj season.