UAE Imposes Dh50,000 Fine for Unauthorized Hajj Travel
New regulations aim to ensure safe and orderly pilgrimage experience for UAE citizens.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a fine of Dh50,000 for any citizen who arrives in Saudi Arabia without a valid Hajj permit approved by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (GAIAZ).
This decision represents the authority's commitment to providing a safe and organized Hajj experience for all citizens wishing to make the pilgrimage.
According to GAIAZ, receiving an official Hajj permit is a prerequisite for performing the pilgrimage, as outlined in the Cabinet's decisions under the Hajj and Umrah System.
This system is designed to facilitate fair and transparent distribution of Hajj opportunities among applicants through electronic screening processes.
UAE citizens are urged to follow the established rules strictly to avoid jeopardizing their time, money, and safety by bypassing official procedures.
Those who fail to comply with the authorized framework will face full accountability and penalties.
In response to the rising trend of unauthorized pilgrims accessing religious sites, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has also announced stricter penalties.
Individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will incur fines of up to SAR20,000.
This penalty will also apply to visitors holding visas who attempt to enter Makkah during the Hajj season, starting from April 29, leading up to the peak period of Dhul Hijjah 14, which is expected to occur around June 10 or 11, pending the lunar sighting.
Additionally, visa sponsors in Saudi Arabia who fail to report when expatriate workers under their sponsorship leave the country after their entry visas expire will face a fine of SAR50,000.
They may also face a prison sentence of up to six months and potential deportation.
These measures reflect a comprehensive approach to regulating the Hajj pilgrimage, aiming to maintain the integrity and organization of the event while ensuring the safety of all participating pilgrims.
This decision represents the authority's commitment to providing a safe and organized Hajj experience for all citizens wishing to make the pilgrimage.
According to GAIAZ, receiving an official Hajj permit is a prerequisite for performing the pilgrimage, as outlined in the Cabinet's decisions under the Hajj and Umrah System.
This system is designed to facilitate fair and transparent distribution of Hajj opportunities among applicants through electronic screening processes.
UAE citizens are urged to follow the established rules strictly to avoid jeopardizing their time, money, and safety by bypassing official procedures.
Those who fail to comply with the authorized framework will face full accountability and penalties.
In response to the rising trend of unauthorized pilgrims accessing religious sites, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has also announced stricter penalties.
Individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will incur fines of up to SAR20,000.
This penalty will also apply to visitors holding visas who attempt to enter Makkah during the Hajj season, starting from April 29, leading up to the peak period of Dhul Hijjah 14, which is expected to occur around June 10 or 11, pending the lunar sighting.
Additionally, visa sponsors in Saudi Arabia who fail to report when expatriate workers under their sponsorship leave the country after their entry visas expire will face a fine of SAR50,000.
They may also face a prison sentence of up to six months and potential deportation.
These measures reflect a comprehensive approach to regulating the Hajj pilgrimage, aiming to maintain the integrity and organization of the event while ensuring the safety of all participating pilgrims.
