JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed that strict compliance with official Hajj permits is essential to ensure pilgrims’ safety and security.
Following these regulations allows pilgrims to perform their rituals smoothly and with ease, while supporting orderly movement and stability throughout the Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry said the permit system is a key tool for crowd management and the balanced distribution of pilgrims at the holy sites, ensuring services are delivered efficiently at the right time and place.
It warned that violations not only carry legal penalties but also threaten the safety of pilgrims and the effectiveness of service operations.
The ministry also cautioned against unlicensed Hajj campaigns and misleading advertisements circulating on social media.
It said it is coordinating with Hajj affairs offices worldwide to raise awareness and provide guidance to pilgrims before arrival, helping organize the pilgrimage from the outset.
The ministry urged prospective pilgrims to verify their permits before travel, reaffirming that the “No Hajj Without a Permit” policy is essential for a safe and spiritual experience.
The Ministry of Interior also announced a fine of up to SR100,000 ($26,700) for anyone who applies for any type of visit visa for 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 based on the number of individuals involved in such offences, the SPA reported.
The ministry urged full compliance with Hajj regulations and cooperation with the competent authorities to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, warning that violations will result in legal penalties.
It also encouraged the public to report offences by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Region, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Madinah has issued its operational plan for the Hajj season across the region as part of early preparations to strengthen ambulance readiness, in line with approved operational frameworks.
Ahmed Al-Zahrani, director general of the authority’s Madinah branch, said the plan aims to provide emergency medical and ambulance services for visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque and the roads leading to Madinah.
He said implementation began in mid-April and will continue until the end of June, covering all stages of pilgrims’ arrival and departure. The plan includes 10 operational sectors, supported by more than 90 ambulance units.
These comprise 54 ambulance vehicles and 27 rapid response teams on motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, golf carts and Rufaidah electric vehicles, in addition to special disaster response units for multi-casualty incidents.
All units are equipped with modern medical technologies, with full readiness for air ambulance support to handle critical cases.
Al-Zahrani said the plan involves more than 700 medical, technical and administrative staff in an integrated system to ensure rapid response and high performance.
He added that field coverage is strengthened inside the Prophet’s Mosque and its surrounding courtyards based on operational demand.
