AhlulBayt News Agency: Saudi authorities have announced strict penalties for foreign nationals found at Mecca or other holy sites without an official Hajj permit. Violators will face a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals (approximately USD 5,300), immediate deportation, and a 10-year entry ban.
These measures will be enforced between May 29 and June 10, 2025, aligning with the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior issued a warning on Saturday, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Officials emphasized that these penalties are intended to maintain safety and ensure an orderly pilgrimage, which hosts millions of Muslims from across the world.
Authorities are stepping up efforts to prevent violations of Hajj regulations, which are designed to control overcrowding and provide a secure environment for worshippers. Saudi officials have consistently urged foreign visitors to adhere to legal procedures and obtain proper Hajj visas through official channels.
Several recent incidents have highlighted the seriousness of the government’s enforcement. Saudi Hajj security personnel recently apprehended an Indian citizen attempting to smuggle four individuals into Mecca using an ambulance. The suspects have been handed over to judicial authorities for legal processing.
Meanwhile, in Riyadh, police arrested an Egyptian woman accused of falsely offering unauthorized Hajj permits on social media. She reportedly promised illegal access to the pilgrimage and has been referred to the public prosecutor for formal charges.
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