Saudi authorities have initiated enforcing fine up to 10,000 riyal and deportation of pilgrims for performing the Hajj without a permit.
According to a report from the Saudi Press Agency, (SPA), the no-permit, no-Hajj policy applies to Makkah city, central areas, holy sites, the Haramain train station, security checkpoints, screening centres and temporary security checkpoints. This regulation remains in force until June 20, 2024.
Furthermore, individuals caught transporting Hajj violators without a permit may face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to 50,000 riyals, and confiscation of their vehicle.
Non-citizen offenders will be deported following their sentence and prohibited from re-entering the kingdom for a set duration. Fines will be multiplied according to the number of transported violators.
Violations can be reported by contacting (911) in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, or (999) in other regions.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Security stressed that repeat offenders will incur double fines, underscoring the necessity of complying with Hajj regulations to guarantee the safety, security, comfort, and peace of Allah’s guests during their rituals.
The arrival of Pakistani pilgrims in the holy land of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj 2024 rituals, is continuing. According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, said that so far, 46,648 intending pilgrims have arrived in Madinah Munawwarah under government and private Hajj schemes.
In the next 09 days, 22,090 more pilgrims will reach Madinah to perform Hajj, the spokesperson said and added that the Pakistan Hajj Mission will host 70,105 pilgrims under government and 80,000 under private schemes.
33,500 Hajj pilgrims visited Riyazul Jannah, the ministry said and added that complaints of the pilgrims are being addressed through toll free helplines, Pak Hajj app and WhatsApp numbers.
Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage and is one of the fifth pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims worldwide travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern-day Saudi Arabia. It takes place during the same time each year, in the sacred month of
Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj begins on the 8th of DhulHijjah and lasts approximately five to six days depending on the sighting of the moon.
When the new crescent moon is sighted, Muslims around the world welcome in the four-day festival of Eid ul Adha.—SPA
