Saudi Arabia cracks down on unauthorized Hajj pilgrims, imposes hefty fines, penalties

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced strict penalties for individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, as well as those facilitating such violations. The new measures, effective immediately, aim to regulate the Hajj pilgrimage and ensure compliance with existing regulations.

According to the ministry, individuals found performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will face fines of up to SAR 20,000 (approximately Naira 2.5 million). This penalty also applies to holders of visit visas who enter or stay in Makkah or the Holy Sites during the specified period from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah to the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.

More severe penalties will be imposed on those who facilitate unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages.

The statement reads: “The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced, 28th April 2025 the imposition of penalties against various forms of Hajj Visa violations. The penalties are in categories.

“The penalties are as follows:

“First:
A fine of up to SAR 20,000 will be imposed on:
“1. Anyone found performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.
“2. Any holder of any type of visit visa who attempts to enter, or stays in, the city of Makkah or the Holy Sites from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.

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“Second:
“A fine of up to SAR 100,000 will be imposed on:
“1. Anyone who applies for the issuance of any type of visit visa for a person who subsequently performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit, or enters or stays in Makkah and the Holy Sites during the specified period. Fines will multiply based on the number of individuals issued such visas who violate the regulations.

“2. Anyone who transports or attempts to transport holders of visit visas with the aim of reaching Makkah and the Holy Sites during the specified period.
“3. Fines will multiply on anyone who shelters, conceals, or assists holders of visit visas in staying within Makkah or the Holy Sites during the specified period, including in hotels, apartments, private residences, pilgrims’ housing facilities, or other accommodations. The fines will multiply according to the number of violators sheltered or assisted.

“Third:
“Illegal Hajj performers from among residents and visa overstayers will be deported to their home countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

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“Fourth:
“The competent court will be requested to order the confiscation of any land transportation vehicle proven to have been used to transport holders of visit visas to Makkah or the Holy Sites during the specified period, provided the vehicle is owned by the transporter, contributor, or accomplice.

“Please be warned.

NAHCON

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