Saudi Arabia penalises seven people for transporting pilgrims to Makkah without Hajj permits

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has penalised four expatriates and three Saudi citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 13 pilgrims to Makkah without permits.

The ministry said Hajj security forces arrested the group at entry points leading to Makkah.

Administrative committees issued penalties that included fines of up to SR100,000 against transporters and others involved in the violations, in addition to prison sentences and the publication of offenders’ names in local media at their own expense.

Authorities also imposed fines of up to SR20,000 on individuals who attempted to perform Hajj without permits after receiving transportation services.

The ministry said expatriates involved in the violations would be deported after serving their sentences and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

Judicial requests have also been submitted to confiscate vehicles used in transporting the violators.

The ministry urged citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions.