SAR 50K Fine and Jail For Transport of Hajj Pilgrims Without a Permit

According to the General Directorate of Public Security, whoever is caught transporting pilgrims without a Hajj permit, in violation of the Hajj guidelines and instructions, faces up to a 6-month prison sentence and a fine of up to SAR 50,000 for each individual violator that was transported.

Depending on how many individuals are being transferred illegally, fines will increase. Foreign offenders will likely have their cars seized, and they will be banned from entering the country and deported.

The directorate asked people to contact the police if they suspected someone of breaking the law. 

Starting on May 15, security control points have prohibited citizens of Saudi Arabia from entering Makkah without entry permits. Only those with entry permits, a resident's identity card provided by Makkah, an Umrah permit, or a pilgrimage permit will be allowed entry, according to instructions given to the authorities.

In addition, Public Security issued a warning against fake Hajj campaigns and urged residents and citizens to follow the rules and guidelines of the Hajj and Umrah.