The Ministry of Interior has announced its intention to impose a substantial financial penalty, amounting to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, on individuals caught unlawfully attempting to perform Hajj without an official permit. This regulation applies to anyone, including those holding various types of visit visas, who attempts to enter the holy city of Mecca or the sacred sites within it, or who wishes to remain in these areas. The enforcement period for this regulation is set to commence on the 1st of November, 1446 AH (Hijri) and will continue until the 14th of December, 1446 AH.
Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized that individuals who are found to be unlawfully entering the pilgrimage areas—including both residents who are overstaying their visas and others attempting to infiltrate the pilgrimage process—will face not only fines but also deportation back to their home countries. A severe travel restriction will be imposed, preventing these individuals from re-entering Saudi Arabia for a period of ten years.
The Ministry has underscored the critical importance of adhering to the established rules and regulations governing Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. This call for compliance serves as a reminder to prospective pilgrims about the necessity of following the legal pathways to undertake the pilgrimage and the serious consequences of disregarding these laws.
To ensure smooth operations and maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage, the Ministry is urging those who wish to perform Hajj to strictly adhere to the regulations set forth. They have also provided a means for the public to report any violations of these regulations by calling designated hotline numbers: 911 for the regions of Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 for the rest of the country.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain order and security during the Hajj season, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world. The Ministry’s measures aim to facilitate a safe and orderly pilgrimage, ensuring that all attendees can perform their religious duties without disruption. The enforcement of these regulations is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the overall experience for genuine pilgrims while simultaneously deterring unauthorized attempts to access the sacred sites.
In summary, the Ministry of Interior’s recent announcement highlights a stringent approach to ensuring that only those with the proper permits participate in Hajj. With substantial fines and long-term bans in place, the Saudi government is clearly committed to regulating access to Mecca and its neighboring holy sites. The clarion call for compliance and the proactive stance on reporting violations underscore the gravity of this regulatory framework, reinforcing the message that adherence to Hajj regulations is both a legal obligation and a matter of respect for the sacred nature of the pilgrimage.
