Illegal Hajj Guides Face Six-Month Prison Sentence and Hefty Fine

Individuals caught transporting people to the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia without the necessary permits may face severe penalties, the General Directorate of Public Security warned on Tuesday. The offenders could be subjected to six months imprisonment and fined up to $13,332 (50,000 riyals). The amount of the fine would increase depending on the number of people transported illegally. Vehicles belonging to perpetrators shall be impounded, and expats offenders shall be deported and banned from entering the country. The directorate appealed to the public to report any suspected violations. On May 15, Saudi Arabian authorities barred entry to Mecca by security checkpoints for residents without entry permits, giving effect to the ban. Only entry permits granted to employees working in holy sites, resident ID cardholders from Mecca, and Umrah or Hajj permit holders would be permitted. The Saudi Arabian administration aims to execute the largest Hajj operation ever to facilitate the pilgrims’ travel to and from Mecca, and safety measures will be implemented to contain the COVID-19 spread.