Indian Expat Arrested For Using Ambulance To Transport Unauthorized Pilgrims To Makkah
Saudi authorities have arrested two expatriates for attempting to transport individuals without Hajj permits into Makkah, in separate incidents as part of ongoing efforts to enforce regulations ahead of this year's pilgrimage season.
On Friday, security forces apprehended an Indian national who used an ambulance to transport three residents and one visa violator, all of whom lacked Hajj permits.
The driver was stopped en route to Makkah, and all involved have been referred to the relevant committee for the application of prescribed penalties.
A day earlier, on Thursday, security forces also detained an Egyptian national driving a bus carrying 22 individuals who were violating Hajj regulations.
The driver and the unauthorized pilgrims were intercepted and referred for disciplinary action.
Saudi Arabia continues to warn against violating Hajj regulations, which are designed to ensure the safety and orderly conduct of the pilgrimage. Authorities urge prospective pilgrims to adhere strictly to official procedures and avoid dealing with unauthorized or fraudulent offers.
Under current regulations, a fine of up to SR100,000 (approximately $27,000) may be imposed on anyone caught transporting individuals holding visit visas or other non-Hajj permits into Makkah or the holy sites. The fine increases per person and includes possible vehicle confiscation under court order.
A separate fine of up to SR20,000 (approximately $5,300) applies to individuals found attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including those carrying visit visas or illegally entering Makkah or the holy sites. These penalties remain in effect until June 10.
The Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia reaffirmed in a statement the obligation of securing a Hajj permit, stating that performing the pilgrimage without one is sinful.
The council stressed that permits help prevent serious health and logistical risks, ensure the safety of pilgrims, and support the efficient management of services and crowd movement. It added that violations not only endanger the individual but also impact others who follow the proper procedures.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
11 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
3 Nabbed While Transporting 108 People To Makkah In Hidden Compartments Of Heavy Vehicles
The Hajj Security Forces have arrested three Saudi citizens for transporting 108 expatriates holding visit visas into Makkah to perform Hajj without a permit, in violation of the Hajj regulations. The citizens tried to smuggle the violators by using concealed compartments within heavy vehicles. They were referred to the relevant authorities to implement legal penalties against them. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has penalized 17 people for the violation of Hajj regulations. The Hajj Security Forces arrested 11 citizens and six residents at the entry points to Makkah while transporting 54 individuals without Hajj permits. The ministry has issued administrative rulings against all parties involved: the transporters, their accomplices, and those who were provided with transportation. Penalties against them included imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000, and public disclosure of the violators' identities. Residents involved face deportation and a 10-year ban from reentering the Kingdom after serving their sentence. Judicial requests have been made to confiscate vehicles used in these violations, and individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit face a fine of up to SR20,000. The ministry urged all citizens and residents to strictly adhere to Hajj regulations, emphasizing that compliance is essential to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims as they perform their rituals.
Daily Tribune
11 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
MPs review harsher penalties for deadly traffic offences
TDT | Manama Tougher punishments for traffic offences that cause injury or death are being reviewed by Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee. The panel is studying several proposed changes to the Traffic Law in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, which has been closely involved in the process. One proposal targets drivers who run red lights and end up causing an accident. Guilty At present, those found guilty face between three months and a year behind bars, a fine ranging from BD1,000 to BD3,000, or both. If someone dies as a result, the punishment is doubled. That means a minimum of six months in prison and a fine of at least BD2,000. Speeding is also in the frame. Penalty Under Article 50 of the law, anyone caught driving more than 30 per cent over the speed limit faces a similar penalty: no less than three months in jail and a BD1,000 fine, or either one. If there is a death, or the same offence is repeated within 12 months, the sanction is doubled. The committee said it had gone over these clauses line by line and was now weighing proposed changes. It wants stronger consequences for dangerous behaviour behind the wheel, especially when it puts lives at risk. Views The Ministry of Interior has been involved throughout and continues to share its views with lawmakers. The committee said it would keep studying any new input from the ministry, particularly in light of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister's instruction to look again at penalties for road offences that result in serious harm or loss of life. That instruction, the committee said, puts the safety of road users at the top of the agenda.
Gulf Insider
12 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Blocks 260,000 Unauthorised Pilgrims From Entering Mecca
More than 260,000 people without Hajj permits have been turned away from entering Mecca, as part of the Kingdom's large-scale security crackdown to ensure a safe and regulated pilgrimage season. Speaking at a joint press conference of Hajj security commanders, Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Bassami, Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, confirmed that a total of 269,000 unregistered pilgrims were prevented from reaching the holy city of Mecca. Security authorities arrested 1,239 people attempting to transport unauthorised pilgrims and imposed penalties on more than 75,000 violators of Hajj regulations. They also impounded over 5,000 vehicles and turned back 110,000 others at checkpoints for attempting to carry illegal pilgrims. More than 415 fake Hajj offices were shut down, and permanent checkpoints at Mecca's entry points remain active to intercept further violations. Al Bassami highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to support enforcement efforts and ensure the integrity of the pilgrimage. 'Security personnel will remain vigilant against anyone seeking to violate Hajj regulations,' he said. Meanwhile, Major General Dr Saleh Saad Al Murabba, Director General of Passports, revealed that over 1.47 million international pilgrims have arrived so far, with the Mecca Route Initiative expanding to eight countries and 12 embarkation points. The initiative streamlines immigration procedures at departure airports, using advanced technologies and multilingual staff. Field teams are also deployed with mobile equipment to assist pilgrims and identify unregistered individuals. Maj. Gen Al Murabba urged pilgrims to depart promptly after completing Hajj to avoid legal consequences, assuring that preparations are in place to facilitate smooth exits. The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its full readiness to deal firmly with any threats to Hajj security. The State Security Presidency confirmed the implementation of robust crowd management plans, particularly at the Jamarat facility, while Special Emergency Forces are conducting field missions to protect pilgrims and prevent infiltration.
