In a move to clamp down on unauthorised Hajj attempts and over-staying the visit visa, Saudi Arabia on Monday announced stricter penalties for those performing or attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a valid permit.
Individuals caught undertaking Hajj without a permit — or trying to do so — will face fines of up to SAR 20,000 (about Rs 4.5 lakh). The same penalty will apply to visit visa holders who attempt to enter and stay in Makkah between April 29 to June 1, Dubai-based Khaleej Times newspaper reported.
Traditionally, a significant number of people from around the world, including India, have entered Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season under the pretext of performing the pilgrimage and have remained there illegally to seek employment or conduct business.
As part of the new measures, anyone found applying for a visit visa on behalf of someone who goes on to perform or attempt Hajj without authorisation — or tries to enter Makkah during the restricted period — will face a fine of up to SAR100,000, according to a statement by the Interior Ministry.
The same penalty will apply to anyone who transports visit visa holders to Makkah during this period with the intention of performing Hajj, as well as those who provide them with accommodation — including hotels, apartments, and other lodging facilities.
The ministry also stated that visa over-stayers and individuals who infiltrate to perform Hajj without a permit will be deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. Any vehicles used to transport these violators to the holy sites will also be confiscated.
Earlier this month, Saudi authorities also introduced tougher rules on visa over-stayers. Sponsors who fail to report when expatriates under their sponsorship overstay their entry visas could face a fine of up to SAR 50,000, up to six months in jail, and deportation.
