The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that a fine of up to SAR100,000 ($26,600) will be imposed on anyone who applies for any type of visit visa on behalf of individuals who perform, or attempt to perform, Hajj without a permit, or who enter or stay in Makkah and the holy sites.
The fine will be multiplied according to the number of individuals for whom visit visas were issued and who violate these regulations, the ministry said on Saturday.
It urged upon everyone to adhere to the regulations of the Hajj season and to cooperate with the competent authorities in ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims, affirming that any violation of these instructions will subject the offenders to legal penalties.
It also encouraged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also underscored that strict adherence to official Hajj permits is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the security and safety of all pilgrims.
The ministry explained that the permit system is a critical component of crowd management and the balanced distribution of pilgrims across the holy sites. This structure ensures that field services are fully prepared to meet the needs of specific Hajj campaigns at the correct times and locations.
The ministry cautioned that violating these regulations not only exposes offenders to legal penalties but also compromises the security of the broader pilgrimage population and the efficiency of the service infrastructure.
