Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Interior has penalized six Saudi citizens for violation of Hajj rules and regulations. The ministry announced that the Hajj Security Forces have arrested them at the entry points to Makkah while transporting a total of 20 individuals without permits to perform Hajj.

The ministry issued administrative decisions through the seasonal administrative committees against the transporters, accomplices, and those who were provided with transportation. According to the decisions, penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000, publishing names of violators in the local media at their own expense, deportation of residents and a 10-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia following the completion of their sentence.

The ministry called for the judicial confiscation of vehicles used in the unauthorized transport of pilgrims and the imposition of a fine of up to SR20,000 on those who attempted to perform Hajj without a permit.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims.