Saudi authorities have arrested 38 people accused of violating Hajj regulations by attempting to transport or enter Makkah without official permits, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Hajj security forces stationed at Makkah’s entry points detained one expatriate and seven Saudi citizens for allegedly transporting 18 individuals who did not possess the required authorisation to perform the pilgrimage.
The ministry said penalties of up to SR100,000 ($26,600) had been imposed on transporters and others involved in the violations. Individuals attempting to perform Hajj without permits could also face fines reaching SR20,000.
In a separate case, a Yemeni resident was arrested for allegedly transporting three people of the same nationality through desert routes in an attempt to bypass security checkpoints and remain in Makkah illegally. Authorities also detained eight Turkish nationals accused of attempting to enter the city without valid permission.
Saudi Arabia has tightened enforcement measures in recent years to manage crowd control and improve safety during the annual pilgrimage, which draws millions of worshippers from around the world. Officials say permit systems are intended to regulate pilgrim numbers and maintain public safety standards during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The Ministry of Interior said expatriates found violating the regulations could face deportation and a 10-year ban from re-entering the Kingdom after serving their sentences. Authorities have also requested the confiscation of vehicles used in the reported incidents.
The ministry urged residents and pilgrims to comply with Hajj regulations and report violations through emergency hotlines operating across the Kingdom.
