Performing Hajj rituals with an official permit… and 120 thousand riyals in total fines for violators

Today, Saturday, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed the need for all Hajj affairs offices and Hajj service providers to commit to educating pilgrims about obtaining the official permit to perform Hajj rituals for this year, and following the approved regular paths, within the framework of its concern for the safety of the guests of God, ensuring the quality of services provided to them, and enabling them to perform their rituals.

The Ministry explained, in a statement today, that performing the Hajj is limited to those who have obtained an official permit from the competent authorities, stressing that any attempts to perform the Hajj without a permit will not be tolerated, as this is considered a clear violation of the regulations and instructions, and statutory penalties will be applied against those who commit it.

The Ministry stressed that adherence to regular procedures raises levels of safety and organization, enhances the efficiency of crowd management, ensures the smooth flow of movement within the holy sites, and raises the quality of the pilgrims’ experience during the season.

She also indicated that coordination with pilgrims’ affairs offices and service providers began immediately after the end of last year’s Hajj season, by holding periodic meetings and implementing ongoing awareness programs. With the aim of enhancing awareness of regulations and instructions, and emphasizing the importance of adhering to the approved requirements, which contributes to raising the level of compliance, achieving the highest standards of safety and regulation, and improving the quality of services provided to the guests of God.

Last Wednesday, Saudi Arabia announced a new package of penalties that will be applied against those who violate the instructions requiring obtaining a permit to perform Hajj. The Interior Ministry imposes a fine of up to 20,000 riyals on anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, and 100,000 riyals on anyone who harbors irregular pilgrims, covers for them, or provides assistance to them.

The same penalty is applied to holders of all types of visit visas, or whoever attempts to enter or remain in the Holy City of Mecca and the Holy Sites, starting from the first day of the month of Dhul-Qi’dah until the end of the 14th day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.