Saudi Arabia to fine Hajj violators, facilitators N8.5m

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj and those who facilitate such violations. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry stated that a fine of up to SAR 20,000 ($5,332 or N8.5m) will be imposed on individuals attempting to perform Hajj […]

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj and those who facilitate such violations.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry stated that a fine of up to SAR 20,000 ($5,332 or N8.5m) will be imposed on individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, as well as on visitors trying to enter or stay in Makkah during this period.

Additionally, a fine of SAR 100,000 ($26,661) will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah and the holy sites during the specified period.

The ministry noted that the fine will multiply for each individual involved.

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The same penalty applies to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites during the designated period.

The ministry added that individuals who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims’ housing sites, will also be fined if caught.

The ministry specified that these penalties will be enforced from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah until the end of the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Daily Trust reports that Dhul-Qi’dah and Dhul-Hijjah mark the period from the first day of the 11th month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, Dhul-Qi’dah, until the last day of the 12th month, Dhul-Hijjah. This period is significant as it includes the month preceding the Hajj pilgrimage and the month when the Hajj itself takes place.

The statement further stated that the individuals found concealing violators or providing assistance to enable their stay will face fines that multiply for each person sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

The ministry also warned that illegal infiltrators attempting to perform Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their home countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

The ministry also stated that the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites during the specified period, if the vehicle is owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplice.