Jeddah: Security forces continue their operations to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or remaining in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and those facilitating unauthorized pilgrimages will face arrest and legal penalties.
Makkah police arrested a Yemeni resident for posting fraudulent and misleading advertisements on social media offering fake entry permits to Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
In another incident, Makkah police arrested five Egyptian residents for violating Hajj regulations by entering and staying in Makkah without obtaining a Hajj permit.
Hajj security forces also arrested a Pakistani resident for violating Hajj regulations by transporting five fellow nationals and attempting to enter and stay in Makkah without a Hajj permit.
In another incident, the forces detained an Egyptian resident for violating Hajj regulations by transporting two fellow Egyptians in concealed compartments inside a freight vehicle and attempting to enter and stay in Makkah without a Hajj permit.
The authorities also arrested a Myanmar national for transporting six residents in violation of Hajj regulations and attempting to take them into Makkah.
Legal action was taken, and all individuals were referred to the Public Prosecution, the SPA reported.
Ahead of the Hajj season, the Ministry of Interior announced penalties for violating permit regulations to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
A fine of up to SR20,000 ($5,330) will be imposed on anyone performing or attempting Hajj without a permit, including visit visa holders who enter or remain in Makkah or the holy sites from April 18 to May 31.
A fine of up to SR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for individuals who perform or attempt Hajj without a permit, or who enter or remain in Makkah and the holy sites during the same period. The fine will be multiplied based on the number of violators involved.
A similar fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah or the holy sites during this period.
A fine of up to SR100,000 will also apply to anyone who provides or attempts to provide accommodation to visit visa holders, or assists or conceals them, with penalties increasing based on the number of violators.
Infiltrators, including residents and visa overstayers, will be deported and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years, the ministry said.
The ministry will also request courts to confiscate vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites during the same period, if owned by those involved.
The General Directorate of Public Security urged citizens and residents to follow Hajj regulations and report violators by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
