Saudi Arabia Punishes 48 Over Hajj Violations
Authorities impose heavy fines, deportation and vehicle seizure in Hajj crackdown
By Sadiq Abdulfatah
Saudi authorities have announced strict penalties against 48 people for violating Hajj transport regulations as part of ongoing efforts to enforce pilgrimage rules.
According to the Ministry of Interior, 19 people — including five expatriates and 14 Saudi citizens — were caught transporting 29 individuals without valid Hajj permits into the holy sites.
The violators face fines of up to SR100,000, vehicle confiscation and public naming.
The 29 people attempting to perform Hajj without permits were also fined up to SR20,000 each, while expatriates involved face deportation and a 10-year entry ban from the Kingdom.
Saudi authorities said the arrests are part of a wider campaign targeting illegal Hajj activities, including permit forgery, fake Hajj advertisements and smuggling pilgrims through unauthorized routes into Makkah.
Officials stressed that the measures are aimed at protecting the safety and security of legitimate pilgrims during the Hajj season.
Source: Arab News
SPONSORED
SPONSORED
