- Offenders apprehended at entrances to Makkah
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has said that Hajj security forces have apprehended 25 individuals at the entrances to Makkah for violating Hajj regulations and instructions, including performing rituals without a permit.
The individuals include seven expatriates and 18 citizens, who were transporting 103 violators.
The seasonal administrative committees of the General Directorate of Passports issued 24 administrative decisions against the offenders.
These resulted in a prison sentence of 15 days for each transporter; a financial fine of SR10,000 ($2,666) for each violator transported; public shaming; the deportation of expatriate transporters with a ban on re-entry into the Kingdom for a legally specified period after serving the sentence; and the confiscation of two vehicles used in transportation.
The ministry, therefore, urged all citizens and expatriates to abide by and comply with Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals in security, safety and comfort.
