Kamal Ghorui
As preparations intensify for Hajj 1447 AH, Saudi Arabia has laid out a stringent penalty framework aimed at regulating pilgrim movement and preventing unauthorised participation. The Ministry of Interior’s latest announcement makes it clear that both individuals and facilitators who bypass permit rules will face steep fines, deportation, and even long-term entry bans.
Strict fines for unauthorised pilgrims and visit visa holders
At the centre of the regulations is a fine of up to SAR 20,000, targeting two categories:
- Individuals who perform or attempt to perform Hajj without an official permit
- Holders of any type of visit visa who enter, attempt to enter, or remain in Makkah or the Holy Sites between 1 Dhu Al-Qi’dah and 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah
The specified period covers the peak Hajj window, during which access is tightly controlled to ensure safety and crowd management.
Heavy penalties for facilitators and enablers
A more severe fine of up to SAR 100,000 has been introduced for those who enable violations. This applies across several actions:
- Applying for visit visas for individuals who go on to perform or attempt Hajj without a permit, or who enter or stay in Makkah and the Holy Sites during the restricted period
- Transporting, or attempting to transport, visit visa holders to Makkah and the Holy Sites between 1 Dhu Al-Qi’dah and 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah
- Providing accommodation or shelter to visit visa holders in any form, including:
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Private residences
- Shelters
- Hajj accommodation facilities
- Any other lodging arrangements
- Concealing such individuals or offering any assistance that allows them to remain in restricted areas during the same period
These fines are not fixed per incident. They are multiplied based on the number of individuals involved, significantly raising the financial consequences for large-scale violations.
Deportation and long-term entry bans
The ministry has also introduced strict immigration consequences. Individuals identified as infiltrators, including residents and those who overstay their visas, will be:
- Deported to their home countries
- Banned from re-entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years
This measure is aimed at deterring repeat violations and tightening overall entry control during Hajj.
Vehicle confiscation and legal recourse
Authorities will also move to escalate enforcement through the courts. The Ministry of Interior will request the confiscation of land transport vehicles used to carry visit visa holders to Makkah and the Holy Sites during the period from 1-11-1447 to 14-12-1447 (23 April 2026 to 4 June 2026). This applies where the vehicle is owned by the transporter, a contributor, or any accomplice involved in the violation.At the same time, the ministry has outlined legal safeguards:
- Individuals penalised have the right to file a grievance within 30 days of notification
- Appeals against committee decisions can be submitted to the Administrative Court within 60 days of the committee’s ruling
The framework signals a zero-tolerance approach as Saudi authorities aim to manage pilgrim numbers, reduce overcrowding, and ensure a controlled and secure Hajj experience.
