Saudi authorities crack down on unauthorized Hajj attempts
RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized.
The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah's entrances arrested five residents and seven citizens for transporting 35 individuals without permits to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The ministry issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, accomplices, and those transported.
Penalties include imprisonment, fines up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia after their sentences.
The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.
In a separate incident, an Indian resident was arrested for transporting 22 visa-holding expatriates without Hajj permits, the SPA reported on Wednesday.
The residents were referred to the authorities and are likely to be charged and penalized.
The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety of pilgrims. It warned that performing or attempting Hajj without a permit from April 29 to June 10 is prohibited.
The ministry has encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
Earlier this week, the Hajj Security Forces arrested 20 residents and 17 citizens for transporting 121 individuals without permits to perform Hajj.
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