Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced penalties for violating regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj, including fines ranging from 20,000 riyals (about $5,300) to 100,000 riyals (about $26,600), along with deportation of infiltrators among residents and overstayers to their home countries.
According to the ministry’s statement, a fine of approximately $5,300 will be imposed on anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including holders of all types of visit visas, or those attempting to enter or remain in Mecca and the holy sites during the period from April 18 until the end of May 31.
A fine of up to $26,600 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for individuals who perform or attempt to perform Hajj without a permit, or try to enter or remain in Mecca and the holy sites during the specified period. The fine will multiply based on the number of violators.
The same fine of up to $26,600 will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Mecca and the holy sites, as well as those who provide accommodation or shelter in any form—such as hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or pilgrim housing facilities—or offer any assistance that enables them to remain. The penalty will also multiply depending on the number of individuals involved.
Penalties also include deportation of infiltrators among residents and overstayers, with a ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. Authorities will also request the competent court to confiscate any land transport vehicle proven to have been used in transporting visit visa holders to Mecca and the holy sites, if owned by the transporter or accomplices.
The ministry confirmed that individuals subject to financial penalties have the right to file an appeal within 30 days from the date of notification before the competent committee, and to challenge the committee’s decision before the administrative court within 60 days of being notified.
