Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Ministry of Interior has penalized 10 expatriates and 16 Saudi citizens for violating Hajj rules and regulations. The ministry announced that Hajj Security Forces have arrested them at the entry points to Makkah while transporting 83 individuals who did not possess the required permits to perform Hajj.

The seasonal administrative committees under the ministry have issued decisions against the transporters, their accomplices, and those who were provided with transportation. The penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000, publicizing names of violators in the local media at their own expense, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban on reentry into the Kingdom following the completion of their sentence.

The ministry also called for the judicial confiscation of vehicles used in the unauthorized transport of pilgrims and emphasized that individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit may face a fine of up to SR20,000. The ministry urged all citizens and residents to strictly comply with Hajj regulations and instructions to safeguard the safety and security of pilgrims as well as to enable them to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.