Image description
Muslim pilgrims perform the symbolic ‘stoning of the devil’ ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage in Mina, near Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca, on June 16, 2024. Pilgrims perform the last major ritual of the hajj, the ‘stoning of the devil’, in western Saudi Arabia on June 16, as Muslims the world over celebrate the Eid al-Adha holiday. | AFP photo. | AFP Photo

The Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia has announced that individuals found performing, or attempting to perform, Hajj without a valid permit between 1 Dhu al-Qi'dah and 14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH will face fines of up to SAR 20,000, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The restrictions apply to all unauthorised individuals, including those on visit visas, who are found within the boundaries of Makkah, the holy sites, the central area, the Haramain High-Speed Railway station in Ar Rusayfah, or at any designated security or checkpoint locations.