Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Ministry of Interior Spokesman Col. Talal bin Shalhoub confirmed that penalties are now being imposed against those who are caught while entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites to perform Hajj without a permit after arriving in the Kingdom on a visit visa. Addressing the Digital Communication Conference in Jeddah, he stated that such violators will face a maximum fine of SR20000.

Col. Talal said that anyone facilitating these violations — such as applying for visas, transporting, sheltering, concealing, or assisting violators will face a fine of up to SR100000. Fines are applied per individual violation. Expatriates or overstayers caught attempting Hajj without a permit will be deported and banned from the Kingdom for 10 years, he noted.

The spokesman warned against fraudulent Hajj campaigns offering services like accommodation, transport, fake Hajj services, sacrificial animals, or fake bracelets.

The Ministry of Interior announced earlier imposition of a penalty of up to SR20,000 for any individual caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit during the period between April 29 and Dhul Hijjah 14. This includes visit visa holders trying to enter or remain within the geographical area of Makkah, the holy sites, the Central Haram Area, the Haramain High-Speed Railway station in Al-Rusayfah district, and all security and grouping centers.

The ministry stated that residents and overstayers attempting to perform Hajj unlawfully will be deported to their home countries and prohibited from re-entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a period of 10 years. Emphasizing adherence to Hajj and Umrah regulations, it urged pilgrims to comply and report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.