MAKKAH — The Ministry of Interior announced that 20 people, including 10 Saudi citizens and 10 expatriates, were penalized for the violation of Hajj rules and regulations. The Hajj Security Forces stationed at the entry points to Makkah had arrested them for transporting 48 individuals without permits to perform Hajj. The ministry issued administrative decisions—through seasonal administrative committees—against the transporters, their accomplices, and those who were provided with transportation. According to the decisions, penalties included imprisonment, maximum fines of SR100,000, publishing their names in the local media at their own expense, deportation of the residents involved in the violation and a 10-year ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia after serving their sentences. The ministry also called for the judicial confiscation of vehicles used to transport pilgrims without authorization, and imposed fines of up to SR20,000 on those who attempted to perform Hajj without a permit. The Ministry of Interior urged all citizens and residents to strictly comply with Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims throughout the performance of their rituals.
