Saudi Arabia has tightened Hajj rules
Saudi Arabia has warned all pilgrims that the penalties for illegal participation in Hajj will be increased. According to it, those who come to Haj pilgrimage without permission - both local residents and foreigners - can be imprisoned from 2 to 6 months and fined up to 50 thousand Saudi Riyals ($ 13.33 thousand), foreigners can be deported for 10 years. Punishment measures have also been strengthened against the organizers and carriers of illegal pilgrimages.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has warned all pilgrims that the penalties for illegal participation in Hajj will be increased. According to the government, both local residents and foreign pilgrims should pay attention to the requirements for obtaining official permission to go on Hajj.
According to the new rules, unauthorized participation in the pilgrimage carries severe consequences, including 2 to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 Saudi Riyals ($13,33,000). In addition, foreign nationals found guilty of violating this provision will be barred from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years after serving their sentence.
Also, those who are found to be transporting pilgrims without a proper permit may be fined 50,000 reais.
In addition, pilgrims were informed about the possible penalties for participating in "illegal financial support". Such violations are punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to 5 million Saudi riyals ($1.33 million).
Penalties for unauthorized participation in Hajj existed before , but were not so severe. According to Arab News, in 2023, more than 1.8 million Muslims around the world performed the Hajj pilgrimage. More than 17,600 people who tried to go on pilgrimage without a special visa were arrested. Also, 105 organizers of illegal pilgrimage trips and 33 people who illegally took pilgrims to Haj pilgrimage sites (drivers) were identified.
Hajj lasts from the 8th to the 12th day of Dhul-Hijjah according to the Islamic calendar. In 2024, these dates will be approximately June 15-19 .
