RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Interior has penalized four expatriates and one Saudi citizen for violating Hajj regulations by transporting seven individuals, who did not hold permits to perform Hajj, to Makkah.
Hajj Security Forces had earlier apprehended the violators at the entry points to Makkah. The ministry issued administrative decisions against the violators through its seasonal administrative committees. The penalties include fines of up to SR100,000 against the transporters and anyone involved in the violation, in addition to imprisonment, and publicizing names of violators in the local media at their own personal expense.
The decisions also included fines of up to SR20,000 against those transported for attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, deportation of expatriates, and a 10-year ban on re-entering the Kingdom following the completion of their sentences. In addition, judicial requests were submitted for the confiscation of vehicles used to transport the violators.
The ministry called on all citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and instructions.
Source: Saudi Gazette