The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced a series of strict penalties for individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj, as well as for those who assist in such violations.

A maximum fine of SR100,000 will be imposed on those who facilitate visit visas or provide shelter or transportation to individuals overstaying their visas to perform Hajj illegally.

The following penalties will apply to violators during the period from Dhul Qaida 1, corresponding to April 29) until Dhul Hijja14, corresponding to June 10:

Performing Hajj without permit

Individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without permit will face a maximum fine of SR20,000. The same penalty applies to holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or remain in Mecca city and the holy sites during the specified period.

Facilitating illegal entry or stay

A maximum fine of SR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for individuals intending to perform Hajj without a permit, or who enables them to enter or stay in Mecca and the holy sites during the specified period.

The fine will multiply according to the number of individuals involved.

The same SR100,000 penalty will apply to those who transport, shelter, conceal, or otherwise assist visit visa holders attempting to access Mecca illegally. This includes providing accommodation in hotels, apartments, private residences, shelters, or designated pilgrim housing sites. Fines will multiply be based on the number of individuals assisted.

Deportation and ban

Residents or overstayers who infiltrate into Mecca to perform Hajj without a permit will be deported to their countries and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for a period of 10 years.

Confiscation of vehicles

The relevant court will be requested to confiscate any land vehicle used to transport visit visa holders to Mecca and the holy sites during the specified period, provided the vehicle is owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplice.