Saudi Arabia Imposes Heavy Fines and Deportation for Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has announced strict penalties for individuals attempting to perform Hajj without the required permit, as well as for those who facilitate such violations.

These measures will be enforced from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has called on all citizens, residents, and visitors to adhere strictly to these rules:

• Individuals caught performing or attempting Hajj without a valid permit will face fines up to SAR 20,000 (approximately $5,331).
• This fine also applies to holders of all types of visit visas who enter or stay in Makkah or the holy sites during the restricted period without proper authorization.
• Facilitators, such as those sponsoring visit visas for unauthorized pilgrims, transporting, sheltering, or assisting them in reaching or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, will face fines up to SAR 100,000, multiplied per individual involved.
• Illegal infiltrators (residents or overstayers) caught attempting Hajj will be deported and banned from re-entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
• Authorities will seek confiscation of land vehicles used to transport unauthorized individuals if owned by the transporter or accomplices.