Saudi Arabia Imposes Steep Fines for Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims

According to the Saudi press agency, the measure is applied at the level of Mecca, the central area, the holy sites, the Haramain station in Al-Rusaifah, the security control centers and the sorting centers. It will remain in effect from Sunday, June 2 (25/11/1445 AH) to June 20 (14/12/1445 AH).

Citizens, residents and foreigners arrested without Hajj permits in these areas will be fined 10,000 Saudi riyals for violating Hajj regulations. Foreigners will be systematically deported to their countries of origin and banned from entering Saudi territory for a period set by law.

Similarly, any vehicle transporting offenders will be seized, and its driver will be punished with a prison sentence of up to six months and a maximum fine of 50,000 Saudi riyals. If the driver is a foreigner, he will be deported and banned from entering Saudi territory.