Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Saudi Arabia announces new penalties for violating Hajj by performing it illegally
On Monday, the Ministry of the Interior in Saudi Arabia imposed penalties for those who violate the requirements necessitating a permit to perform Hajj and those who allow others to do so. Those who provide services such as housing or transportation to individuals who overstay their visas to do Hajj illegally are subject to a maximum fine of SR100,000. Trending: Saudi Arabia announces VAT refund for tourists at the time of their departure
The following penalties will be imposed on violators from the beginning of Dhul Qada 1, which is April 29, until the conclusion of Dhul Hijjah 14.
1. Anyone found doing or trying to do Hajj without the proper documentation faces a maximum fine of SR20,000. Anyone trying to enter or stay in Makkah city or any of the holy sites within that time, regardless of type of visit visa, would be fined the same amount.
2. Those who apply for a visitor's visa on behalf of someone who has performed or attempted to perform Hajj without the proper authorization or who has visited or remained in Makkah city and the holy sites within the allotted time face a maximum fine of SR 100,000. For each individual engaged, the penalty will increase. Most Viewed: Jawazat clarification on issuing exit re-entry visa for more than one year
Anyone found transporting or attempting to transport a visit visa holder to Makkah city and the holy sites within the specified period will be fined SR100,000. The same penalty applies to those who shelter or attempt to shelter a visit visa holder in any type of accommodation, whether it be a hotel, apartment, private residence, shelter, or the housing sites for Hajj pilgrims. Some examples of this behavior include helping someone remain undetected or covering up their existence. The penalty will increase for every person who is hidden, protected, or helped.
3. Those who enter Makkah to complete Hajj without the proper paperwork will be sent back to their home countries and will be unable to reenter the Kingdom for a period of ten years.
4. If the transporter, guide, or others involved own any land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the designated period, the competent court would be asked to seize them. Like and follow Saudi Expatriates page on Facebook
Saudi Arabia announces new penalties for violating Hajj by performing it illegally. Saudi-Expatriates.com
