•King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced strict new penalties targeting individuals who violate Hajj permit regulations, including a heavy fine of $26,661 on those who apply for visit visas on behalf of people attempting to perform Hajj without proper authorisation.
The new measures, released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), are part of intensified efforts to curb unauthorised access to Makkah and the holy sites during the annual pilgrimage.
The enforcement period will run from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah to the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Islamic calendar months surrounding and including the Hajj.
In a significant move, the ministry stated: “A fine of $5,332 will be imposed on individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, and on visitors trying to enter or stay in Makkah during this period.”
Additionally, anyone who applies for a visit visa for a person who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit will face a fine of $26,661. The same penalty applies to those who transport visit visa holders to Makkah, or shelter them in hotels, apartments, private homes, or any other form of accommodation.
“This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay,” the ministry warned, adding that the fine will multiply for each individual involved.
The crackdown doesn’t stop at financial penalties. The ministry said that illegal infiltrators, whether residents or visa overstayers, found attempting to perform Hajj will be deported and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for ten years.
Vehicles used to transport offenders may also be confiscated, provided they belong to the transporter, facilitator, or an accomplice, subject to a court ruling.
The tough stance comes as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its management of the Hajj pilgrimage to ensure safety, crowd control, and compliance with religious protocols.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj will commence on May 9.
NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication,Fatima Sanda Usara, revealed that 43,000 Nigerian pilgrims have paid for the upcoming pilgrimage.
“The Commission is fully prepared for the airlift exercise, and we urge all pilgrims to comply with Saudi regulations,” she said.
