As of June 2, 2024, Saudi Arabia has begun enforcing stringent penalties on individuals attempting to perform Hajj without the requisite permits. The enforcement period will last until June 20, 2024, according to a report from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Public Security authorities have announced that anyone found in violation of Hajj regulations in Makkah, the central area, the holy sites, the Haramain train station, and various security checkpoints will face significant fines and other penalties.
A fine of SAR 10,000 will be imposed on violators, applicable to citizens, residents, and visitors within the specified geographic zones without a proper Hajj permit. Residents caught without a permit will also be deported to their home countries and barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for a legally specified duration.
Repeat offenders will see their fines doubled, and anyone caught transporting individuals without a Hajj permit faces severe consequences, including up to six months of imprisonment and fines reaching SAR 50,000. The vehicle used in the violation will be subject to confiscation by court order. After serving their sentences, resident violators will also be deported and banned from re-entry for a set period.
