Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior announced that it has penalized 12 expatriates and eight Saudi citizens for violating Hajj regulations. The Hajj Security Forces stationed at the entry points to Makkah arrested these people while transporting 60 individuals without permits to perform Hajj.

The ministry issued administrative decisions against the transporters, accomplices, and those who were provided with transportation, and these include imposition of penalties such as imprisonment, maximum fines of SR100,000, confiscation of vehicles used in the illegal transport of individuals, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban on re-entry into Saudi Arabia upon completion of their sentences.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims so as to enable them to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.