As the 2025 Haj season approaches, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its commitment to a safe and orderly pilgrimage by reminding citizens, residents, and visitors of strict penalties for violating Haj regulations. These rules are in effect until the end of the pilgrimage season.
What Are the Penalties?
The Ministry of Tourism has issued a clear warning: anyone caught transporting pilgrims without a valid Haj permitwill be fined 10,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately Dh9,700). This penalty applies to everyone, including Saudi citizens, foreign residents, and international visitors.
Importantly, the fine is applied per unlicensed pilgrim transported. For instance, transporting 15 unauthorized pilgrims could result in a 150,000-riyal fine.
In addition to financial penalties, violators could also face:
- Imprisonment for up to 15 days
- Vehicle confiscation by court order
- Public disclosure of names to deter future violations
What Happens to Expats Who Violate Haj Laws?
For foreign residents, consequences are even more severe. Those caught performing Haj without a permit or aiding others in doing so may face:
- Deportation after completing their sentence
- A ban on re-entry to Saudi Arabia for a designated period
These measures reflect Saudi Arabia’s zero-tolerance stance on unauthorized participation in the pilgrimage.
Restrictions on Accommodation in Makkah
Authorities are also cracking down on unauthorized stays. From Dhul-Qi’dah 1, 1446 AH (April 29, 2025) until the end of the Haj season, all hospitality facilities in Makkah are prohibited from accommodating anyone who does not have:
- A valid Haj permit, or
- An approved work or residence entry permit for Makkah
This move is aimed at ensuring that only eligible pilgrims and authorized personnel are present in the holy city during the busy season.
Why the Crackdown?
Saudi Arabia hosts millions of pilgrims annually, and maintaining security, crowd control, and health standards is essential. These strict rules are designed to ensure the safety of all participants and uphold the integrity of the Haj process.
If you plan to participate in Haj 2025 or assist others in doing so, make sure all required permits are in place. Violations carry serious consequences, including hefty fines, jail time, deportation, and bans from re-entering the Kingdom.
