The Saudi General Security has begun implementing penalties for those violating Hajj regulations and instructions by being caught without a Hajj permit within a defined geographical area in the Kingdom, starting today, Sunday. The geographical area includes "the city of Mecca, the central region, the holy sites, the Haramain train station in Al-Rusaifa, security checkpoints, sorting centers, and temporary security checkpoints."
The General Security confirmed "the application of a fine of (10,000) riyals for those violated the Hajj regulations without a permit among citizens, residents, and visitors within the geographical scope who do not have a Hajj permit, in addition to the deportation of residents to their home countries and banning them from entering the Kingdom for specified periods as per regulations."
It also emphasized that "a doubled financial fine of (10,000) riyals will be imposed on repeat offenders, underlining the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations and instructions so that the guests of Allah can perform their rituals in safety, comfort, and peace."
It is worth noting that the penalty for anyone caught transporting violators of Hajj regulations without a permit can include imprisonment for up to (6) months and a financial fine of up to (50,000) riyals, as well as a judicial ruling for the confiscation of the vehicle used for transport, deportation of the violator transporters if they are expatriates after serving their sentence, and a ban from entering the Kingdom for specified periods. The financial fines will multiply based on the number of violators being transported.
