The Ministry of Interior has declared the start of sanctions against those who violate Hajj rules and instructions. They include a fine of SAR10,000 for people who are found without a permit; here are the details.
Saudi Ministry Announces Fines For Hajj Rules Violation
People who are found in Makkah, the central region, the Holy Sites, the Haramain train station in Rusayfah, security control centres, sorting centres, and temporary security control centres without a valid Hajj permission are all subject to this enforcement. The penalties are going to be in place from June 02, 2024, to June 20, 2024.
All citizens, residents, and visitors found within the designated geographic zones without a Hajj permit will be fined SAR10,000, the Ministry has confirmed. In addition, residents will be prohibited from leaving the Kingdom for a predetermined amount of time and may be deported to their country of origin. The Ministry emphasised that those who disobey Hajj norms and instructions risk a double fine of SAR10,000. Ensuring pilgrims’ safety, security, comfort, and confidence while they carry out their rituals is still of utmost importance.
Penalised In Fines And 6 Months Of Jail!
It is an offence to transport people without a permit who disobey Hajj rules and directions. It is penalised by up to SAR50,000 in fines and up to six months in jail. Following the imposition of the fine, the vehicles will be seized by a court order. Then, the carriers will be deported. There will also be a legal prohibition against entering the Kingdom for a predetermined amount of time. The amount of the fine rises in direct proportion to the quantity of offenders transported.
Earlier, on May 4, the Saudi Arabian Directorate of Public Security declared that the Haj restrictions would go into effect. Permission will now be needed for Saudi citizens to enter Makkah. The new rules are intended to protect pilgrims’ safety and security while streamlining the Haj procedure. Residents will not be allowed admission at security check centres leading to Makkah if they do not have the necessary licences.
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It includes a valid Umrah permit, a valid Haj permit, a resident Makkah ID, or a permit to work in holy sites given by the appropriate government.
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