Overview
- Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry will enforce the new measures from April 18 through 14 Dhul Hijjah during the Hajj period.
- People who perform or try to perform Hajj without a permit face fines up to SR20,000, including visit‑visa holders who enter or remain in Makkah or the holy sites during the restricted window.
- Those who help illegal pilgrims can be fined up to SR100,000, with higher totals when more offenders are involved, covering actions such as arranging visit visas, transporting people, or providing accommodation.
- Violators may be deported and blocked from re‑entering the Kingdom for 10 years, and courts can order the seizure of vehicles used to carry offenders.
- Anyone penalized can file a grievance within 30 days and then appeal to the Administrative Court within 60 days, reflecting due‑process steps built into the crackdown.