RIYADH — The Transport General Authority (TGA) has directed all transport operators across Saudi Arabia, particularly in Makkah, to strictly adhere to the concerned authorities' instructions not to provide transportation to any passengers heading to Makkah or the holy sites without a Hajj permit or an entry permit for work or residence in the holy city. The new rules, which came into effect on April 29, are part of measures recently announced by the Ministry of Interior to regulate the movement of crowds and maintain the security and safety of pilgrims. Under the regulations, violators caught transporting visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites or attempting to do so during the period between Dhul Qada 1 and Dhul-Hijjah 14, would face penalties and a fine of up to SR100000. The penalties also include confiscating any means of land transport used to carry individuals with visit visas to these locations, following a ruling by the relevant court. The TGA clarified that this applies regardless of whether the vehicle is owned by the carrier, an accomplice, or someone who contributed to the offence. Furthermore, the authority also reminded all licensed carriers of the need to fulfil regulatory requirements for the upcoming Hajj season. This, it said, includes obtaining the correct licenses and operating permits for vehicles and drivers, adhering to designated routes, and not entering areas subject to Hajj rules without prior permission. The TGA also urged full cooperation with security and oversight authorities at checkpoints. The authority further warned that anyone violating the rules would face penalties. "The measures are part of the transport authority's operational plan for the Hajj season, aiming to support compliance and safety levels and ensure the smooth flow of authorized pilgrims. This would reflect the quality and efficiency of transportation services provided during the season," the authority added.
