Latest news with #HajjSecurity
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Hajj 2025: 53 expats arrested for trying to enter Makkah without permit
Hajj security forces have arrested 53 expatriates for violating Hajj regulations and instructions by attempting to enter the city of Makkah and perform Hajj without a permit on Thursday, June 5. As thousands of pilgrims perform Hajj in Makkah, Saudi authorities have put strict penalties in place this year for violating regulations. These measures remain active through the end of the pilgrimage season. On Wednesday, June 4, Hajj security forces apprehended 60 foreign nationals holding visit visas for violating regulations, authorities said. The accused attempted to sneak into Makkah on foot via a desert route, the official Saudi account of Public Security said in a tweet on X. The statement also said that the accused have been referred to the competent authorities for appropriate action and levying penalties. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Hajj penalties The Kingdom's Ministry of Tourism earlier said that anyone caught transporting pilgrims without a valid Haj permit or offering accommodations to these violators in hotels, apartments, etc., will face a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals. This penalty applies to citizens, residents, and visitors. Those who will be caught performing the pilgrimage without a permit or attempting to do so will face a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals. The same penalty applies to visit visa holders who attempt to enter Makkah and stay there from April 29 (Dhul-Qi'dah 1) and until Dhul Hijjah 14. Vehicles used to transport pilgrims illegally will be confiscated by court order. Authorities have also stated that violators will be publicly named, as part of a wider effort to deter others from breaking the law. Fines for violators from UAE A fine of Dh50,000 will be imposed on any UAE citizen arriving in Saudi Arabia without a valid Hajj permit approved by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (GAIAZ). The decision was made to make it a safe Hajj experience for all UAE pilgrims, as performing Hajj is contingent upon receiving an official permit issued by the authority. This is in line with Cabinet decisions under the Hajj and Umrah System, which governs the procedures for the Hajj season. The system ensures fair and transparent distribution of opportunities among applicants through electronic screening programs.
Al Bawaba
9 hours ago
- General
- Al Bawaba
Video: 60 pilgrims caught trying to sneak into Mecca on foot via desert
Published June 5th, 2025 - 06:04 GMT ALBAWABA - Hajj security forces arrested 60 expatriates holding visit visas while attempting to sneak into Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on foot via a desert road, in violation of Hajj regulations. Also Read Millions to begin sacred Hajj journey tomorrow from Mina Surveillance cameras captured the moment security patrols intervened and pursued the violators before stopping them, as they were walking in a lane not designated for pilgrims in an attempt to reach Mecca. Hajj forces mentioned that violators were referred to the relevant authorities to take legal action. It is worth noting that the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage began on June 4, with more than 1.5 million Muslims flocking to the holy city of Mecca. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Arab News
a day ago
- General
- Arab News
Man jailed for illegal Hajj pilgrimage operation
RIYADH: A Saudi resident has been jailed for a year for setting up an illegal Hajj operation with the intention of obtaining funds through deception via social media. The public prosecution referred the defendant to the criminal court after he was found in possession of receipts connecting him to the criminal operation. A preliminary ruling sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a 10,000 riyal ($2,666) fine, along with the confiscation of all devices and tools used in the crime. The public prosecution said the creation of fake Hajj operations was a major crime punishable by detention and added that it would continue to pursue those who broke Hajj regulations. Meanwhile, Hajj security forces arrested 36 residents who tried to enter Makkah without the correct permits. They were referred to the relevant authority.
Al Arabiya
26-05-2025
- Al Arabiya
Saudi residents, citizens caught violating Hajj regulations, face fines, deportation
Hajj security officials caught five residents and nine citizens in Mecca for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 44 people without permits, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday. Officials penalized the transporters and the unauthorized pilgrims with fines up to SAR100,000 ($26,662) and deportation with a 10-year re-entry ban to Saudi Arabia, according to the report. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations 'to ensure a safe and secure Hajj for all.' The ministry announced on Monday that individuals who shelter or attempt to shelter holders of any type of visa in any form of residential accommodation, including hotels, apartments, private residences or pilgrim housing facilities, will face hefty fines of up to SAR100,000. This applies to those assisting individuals to remain in Mecca and the holy sites unlawfully from Dhu Al-Qi'dah 1(May 26) to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14 (June 9). Penalties will increase proportionally based on the number of people sheltered or assisted.
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia deploys drones, AI to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrims
Listen to article Saudi Arabia has deployed advanced technologies, including drones and artificial intelligence, to intensify its crackdown on unauthorized Hajj pilgrims, Gulf News reported. The initiative aims to strengthen surveillance and enforcement ahead of this year's Islamic pilgrimage. The Kingdom's General Directorate of Public Security released footage showing drones equipped with high-resolution cameras tracking individuals and vehicles suspected of attempting to reach the holy sites without valid permits. Saudi Hajj Security Forces… – Modern technologies – Advanced security systems To enforce Hajj regulations and instructions, and to apprehend violators of the laws and regulations.#No_Hajj_Without_Permit#HajjSecurity#Hajj2025 — Hajj News (@hajj1_ENG) May 23, 2025 In one instance, a drone detected a suspicious vehicle in a remote desert area and relayed its coordinates to ground patrols, who quickly apprehended the suspects. These drones are part of a sophisticated surveillance system that integrates artificial intelligence and thermal imaging, enabling authorities to identify and intercept violators in real time. The campaign, titled 'No Hajj Without a Permit,' is central to the government's efforts to regulate the pilgrimage and ensure the safety of all participants. Read more: Saudi Arabia announces strict penalties for unauthorised Hajj pilgrims Several individuals have been arrested in recent days for illegally transporting undocumented pilgrims. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that special seasonal committees have issued administrative penalties, including prison terms, fines of up to SR100,000 per violator, deportation of expatriates after serving their sentences, a 10-year re-entry ban, and the judicial seizure of vehicles used in these violations. The ministry reiterated that performing Hajj requires a specific Hajj visa. Individuals on visit visas are strictly prohibited from undertaking the pilgrimage. International pilgrims must obtain Hajj visas through their respective Hajj Affairs offices in 80 countries or via the Nusuk Hajj platform, which facilitates applications from 126 nations. In addition, the Ministry has announced fines of up to SR20,000 for anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without official authorization. These stringent measures come amid concerns over foreign visitors overstaying their visas with the intent to join the pilgrimage illegally.
