Saudi Arabia’s Public Security has begun imposing penalties on pilgrims violating Hajj regulations and instructions by undertaking a pilgrimage without a permit.

The areas covered by the no-permit, no-Hajj policy include the city of Makkah, the central area, the holy sites, the Haramain train station, security checkpoints, screening centers and temporary security checkpoints, according to a report from Saudi Press Agency.

The rule will be in effect until June 20, 2024.

Any individual — whether citizen, resident, or visitor — found violating Hajj regulations will be fined 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666). Non-citizens will be deported to their home country and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for a specified period.

The Public Security also said repeat offenders would have their fines doubled, as the agency stressed the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure pilgrims can perform rituals safely and peacefully.

In addition, any individual caught transporting Hajj violators without a permit faces imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to 50,000 riyals (13,328), and their vehicle confiscated.

Violators who are not citizens will be deported after serving the sentence and barred from re-entering the Kingdom for a specified period. Fines will be multiplied according to the number of transported violators, the agency added.

To report violations, contact (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or (999) in other regions.

Source: Arab News