The Ministry of Interior has announced strict penalties against individuals involved in transporting pilgrims without permits during the Hajj 1447 AH season, including fines reaching SAR100,000, imprisonment and deportation.
According to SPA, Hajj security forces stationed at the entrances to Makkah arrested four expatriates and three Saudi citizens for transporting 13 pilgrims without official Hajj permits.
The ministry said seasonal administrative committees issued penalties against transporters and others involved in the violations, including fines of up to SAR100,000, imprisonment and public naming of offenders.
The report said pilgrims caught attempting to perform Hajj without permits may face fines of up to SAR20,000.
Authorities added that expatriates involved in the violations will be deported after completing their sentences and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years.
Judicial requests have also been submitted seeking the confiscation of vehicles used in transporting the violators.
The ministry urged all citizens and residents to strictly follow Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure the safety and proper organization of the pilgrimage season.