The Saudi Ministry of Interior said on Sunday Hajj security forces stationed at the entrances to Makkah apprehended 18 individuals - two residents and 16 citizens - for violating Hajj regulations.
It said that on June 15, they had transported 98 individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.
The General Directorate of Passports issued 17 administrative decisions for individuals involved in illegal transportation, including a 15-day prison sentence for each transporter and a SAR 10,000 fine multiplied by the number of violators transported.
Violators also face public exposure, deportation from the Kingdom if they are residents, and a temporary ban on re-entry.
The authorities ordered the confiscation of the vehicles used in transporting the violators.
The Ministry of Interior urged all citizens and residents to strictly comply with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrims feel safe, comfortable, and at peace when performing Hajj rituals.
