The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new regulations affecting Umrah permits during the Hajj season. From Dhul Qada 16 (May 24) to Dhul-Hijjah 20 (June 26), Umrah permits will not be issued to individuals without a confirmed Hajj permit. This measure aims to ease the experience for Hajj pilgrims arriving from around the world to perform their rituals at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
In addition, the Ministry of Interior has introduced strict fines for those attempting to enter Makkah without a Hajj permit between Dhul Qada 25 (June 2) and Dhul Hijjah 14 (June 20). Violators, including Saudi citizens, expatriates, and visitors, will face fines of SR10,000. These penalties apply within the holy city of Makkah, the Central Haram Area, the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, as well as at key transport and security checkpoints.
Repeated violations will result in doubled fines, up to SR100,000. Expatriates caught violating these regulations will be deported and banned from reentering Saudi Arabia for a period determined by law.
The ministry also outlined severe penalties for those caught transporting violators. Offenders face up to six months in prison and a fine of SR50,000. Additionally, vehicles used to transport violators may be confiscated by judicial ruling. Expatriate transporters will also face deportation and reentry bans after serving their sentences and paying fines. Penalties increase based on the number of violators transported.
The ministry stresses the importance of adhering to these Hajj regulations to ensure that all pilgrims can perform their rituals comfortably and safely. The public is encouraged to report any fake Hajj campaigns or violators by calling 911 in Makkah, the Eastern Province, and Riyadh, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Source: Saudi Gazette
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