The Ministry of Interior announced that Hajj Security Forces at the entrances to Makkah apprehended five residents and nine citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 44 individuals without Hajj permits.
Seasonal administrative committees issued decisions against the transporters, their accomplices and the unauthorized pilgrims. Penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to SAR100,000, public naming of the violators and deportation of resident offenders with a 10-year reentry ban to Saudi Arabia after serving their sentences.
The ministry also initiated judicial proceedings to confiscate the vehicles used in the offenses and imposed a fine of up to SAR20,000 on individuals who attempted to perform Hajj without a permit.
The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure a safe and secure Hajj for all.