Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior announced that Hajj Security Forces at the entry points to Makkah arrested nine Saudi citizens and five expatriates for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 44 individuals without Hajj permits.

Seasonal administrative committees issued decisions against the transporters, their accomplices and the unauthorized pilgrims.

Penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000, publishing their names in the local media at their own expense, and deportation of resident offenders with a 10-year reentry ban to Saudi Arabia after serving their sentences.

The ministry also initiated judicial proceedings to confiscate the vehicles used in the offenses and imposed a fine of up to SR20,000 on individuals who attempted to perform Hajj without a permit.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure a safe and secure Hajj.

Meanwhile, the Hajj Security Forces arrested three citizens for transporting five residents in violation of Hajj regulations and attempting to bring them into Makkah to perform Hajj. The individuals were referred to the competent authorities for the enforcement of the prescribed penalties.