Khaleej Times, 2 June 2024: Penalties for violating Haj regulations and instructions in Saudi Arabia are being implemented starting 2 June 2024 until 20 June 2024.

The authorities will impose a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyal, roughly around Dh9,000 on citizens, residents, and visitors performing Haj without a permit.

The authorities have also highlighted that anyone caught transporting Haj pilgrims without a permit will be imprisoned to up to 6 months, and will be fined for up to 50,000 Saudi Riyal or Dh49,000.

Performing haj without a permit in the city of Makkah, the central area, the holy sites, the Haramain train station, security checkpoints, screening centres, and temporary security checkpoints is prohibited.

Expats caught violating will be deported to their home countries and banned from re-entering Saudi for a specific period according to the law.

If a resident is caught transporting Haj pilgrims without a permit, they will be deported after serving the sentence and barred from re-entering the Kingdom for specified periods.

Additionally, the authorities have clarified that anyone that has a visit visa, regardless of their type or designation, are not allowed to perform Haj.

All visitors are advised to avoid travelling to or staying in Makkah between the 2 June 2024 and 21 June 2024.

The authorities have reported that over 20,000 visitors with visit visas have been found in violation of Hajj regulations, which prohibit them from staying in Makkah.

Similary, operators in the UAE cannot receive applications or requests for Haj or Umrah without prior approval from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

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