Saudi Arabia announces fines, deportation for Hajj permit violations
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RIYADH, April 14 - Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for violating Hajj permit regulations ahead of the 1447 AH pilgrimage season, including fines, deportation and possible confiscation of transport used to carry offenders, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The ministry said anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit could face a fine of up to 20,000 riyals ($5,332). The same penalty applies to holders of visit visas who enter or remain in Makkah and the holy sites from the first day of Dhu Al-Qi'dah until the end of the 14th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah.
Fines of up to 100,000 riyals may be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for a person who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit, as well as on anyone transporting or attempting to transport visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites during the restricted period.
The same higher penalty also applies to anyone who shelters visit visa holders in hotels, apartments, private housing, pilgrim accommodation or other residences, or provides assistance that enables them to remain in Makkah and the holy sites during that period, SPA said.
The ministry said infiltrators attempting Hajj from among residents and visa overstayers would be deported and banned from re-entering the kingdom for 10 years.
It added that authorities would seek court orders to confiscate land transport vehicles used to carry visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites if the vehicles belonged to the transporter, contributor or accomplice.
The ministry urged citizens, residents and visa holders to comply with Hajj rules and report violations by calling 911 in the Makkah region.
