Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Hajj Security Forces have arrested three Saudi citizens for transporting 108 expatriates holding visit visas into Makkah to perform Hajj without a permit, in violation of the Hajj regulations. The citizens tried to smuggle the violators by using concealed compartments within heavy vehicles.

They were referred to the relevant authorities to implement legal penalties against them.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has penalized 17 people for the violation of Hajj regulations. The Hajj Security Forces arrested 11 citizens and six residents at the entry points to Makkah while transporting 54 individuals without Hajj permits.

The ministry has issued administrative rulings against all parties involved: the transporters, their accomplices, and those who were provided with transportation. Penalties against them included imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000, and public disclosure of the violators' identities. Residents involved face deportation and a 10-year ban from reentering the Kingdom after serving their sentence.

Judicial requests have been made to confiscate vehicles used in these violations, and individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit face a fine of up to SR20,000. The ministry urged all citizens and residents to strictly adhere to Hajj regulations, emphasizing that compliance is essential to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims as they perform their rituals.