Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced strict punishments and heavy fines for violations of Hajj regulations ahead of this year’s pilgrimage.
According to the ministry, anyone attempting to perform Hajj without official permission will face a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals.
Visitors entering the holy sites on a visit visa during Hajj will also be fined up to 20,000 Riyals. Those who provide transportation or any form of assistance to such individuals may face penalties of up to 100,000 Riyals.
The same fine applies to those who offer accommodation to unauthorized pilgrims.
The ministry further stated that violators and their facilitators will be deported and barred from entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.
These penalties will be enforced from the 1st of Dhul Qadah until the 14th of Dhul Hijjah.