Image description
Muslim pilgrims perform the symbolic 鈥榮toning of the devil鈥� ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage in Mina, near Saudi Arabia鈥檚 holy city of Mecca, on June 16, 2024. Pilgrims perform the last major ritual of the hajj, the 鈥榮toning of the devil鈥�, 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.


The ministry stated that residents and overstayers who attempt to perform Hajj unlawfully will be deported and prohibited from re-entering the Kingdom for a period of 10 years. Authorities urged strict adherence to Hajj and Umrah regulations and encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.

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