RIYADH: The Saudi Interior Ministry has announced that anyone found transporting or attempting to transport visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites during the Hajj season—from Dhu Al-Qi’dah 1 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14—will face a penalty of up to SAR 100,000 (approximately $26,660).
The ministry will also seek a court order to confiscate the land vehicle used for this purpose if it is proven to be owned by the transporter, a partner, or an accomplice, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The Ministry has urged the public to adhere to all Hajj regulations and guidelines, which are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals smoothly and peacefully.
It also encouraged citizens and residents to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 in all other regions of the Kingdom.
The ministry earlier said that illegal infiltrators—whether residents or overstayers found attempting to perform Hajj will be deported and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for a period of ten years.
As the Hajj season approaches, the Roads General Authority (RGA) has finalised its extensive preparations to ensure smooth and safe travel for pilgrims across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) specialised teams are deployed throughout the road network to provide a comfortable and secure journey for all visitors.
The road sector is a vital facilitator for Hajj and Umrah, and the Roads General Authority coordinates and regulates this essential sector through appropriate policies and legislation, striving to achieve strategic ambitions focused on safety, quality, and traffic management.
This year, the annual pilgrimage is expected to take place in June. While the exact number of pilgrims for Hajj 2025 is yet to be confirmed, early projections indicate it could be a record-breaking year, with more than 2.5 million pilgrims expected to participate.
