Saudi Interior Ministry Issues Stern Warning on Pilgrimage Regulations
Financial penalties and deportation await those violating pilgrimage entry rules.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced the implementation of significant penalties for individuals attempting to enter Mecca and other holy sites in the Kingdom during the Hajj season on visitor visas.
Violators, who hold various types of visitor visas, except for the Hajj visa, may face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $5,300).
The announcement was made public through a statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency today.
The ministry emphasized that visitor visas do not permit the holders to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, underscoring that individuals caught trying to perform Hajj without the proper visa will be deported to their home countries and barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for a period of 10 years.
The enforcement of these penalties is scheduled to take place from the first day of the month of Dhul-Qi'dah until the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah, coinciding with the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The measures aim to maintain the safety and security of pilgrims, ensuring they can perform their religious duties in a secure environment.
The ministry has urged all individuals to adhere strictly to the Hajj regulations and has established a hotline for reporting any violations.
Worshippers in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province can report infractions by calling 911, while other regions in the Kingdom can utilize the number 999.
Violators, who hold various types of visitor visas, except for the Hajj visa, may face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $5,300).
The announcement was made public through a statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency today.
The ministry emphasized that visitor visas do not permit the holders to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, underscoring that individuals caught trying to perform Hajj without the proper visa will be deported to their home countries and barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for a period of 10 years.
The enforcement of these penalties is scheduled to take place from the first day of the month of Dhul-Qi'dah until the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah, coinciding with the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The measures aim to maintain the safety and security of pilgrims, ensuring they can perform their religious duties in a secure environment.
The ministry has urged all individuals to adhere strictly to the Hajj regulations and has established a hotline for reporting any violations.
Worshippers in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province can report infractions by calling 911, while other regions in the Kingdom can utilize the number 999.
