4 days ago
Saudi announces SAR100,000 fine for sheltering visit visa holders during Hajj
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that individuals found sheltering visit visa holders in the Holy City of Makkah or the Holy sites during the Hajj 2025 season will face strict penalties.
This measure applies to any form of accommodation — including hotels, apartments, private residences, lodging centres, or Hajj housing sites — or who conceals them or provides assistance enabling them to remain in Makkah and the Holy sites from Dhu Al-Qidah 01 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Monday, violators may be fined up to SAR100,000.
The ministry warned that penalties will increase based on the number of violating individuals accommodated, sheltered, or assisted.
A Muslim pilgrim enters the Grand Mosque ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah on Monday. AP
The ministry also urged the public to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions, which are designed to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.
Muslim pilgrims prepare to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AP
It also called on the public to report any violations of these regulations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering the Holy City of Makkah, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city.
The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorised participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat.
There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Makkah officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come.
