Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior announced on Monday penalties for persons, who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj, as well as for those who facilitate such violations. A maximum fine of SR100,000 will be imposed on those who facilitate visit visa or give shelter or transportation for those overstaying their visas to perform Hajj illegally.

The following penalties will be applicable to the violators during the period starting from Dhul Qada 1, corresponding to April 29, until the end of Dhul Hijjah 14.

1— A maximum fine of SR20,000 will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit. The same penalty will be slapped on holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

2— A maximum fine of SR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.The fine will multiply for each individual involved.

The same fine of SR100,000 will be slapped on anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites. This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

3— Thos, who infiltrate to Makkah to perform Hajj without a permit, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

4— The relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if it is owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.