Saudi authorities arrest 15 Hajj permit violators

Authorities in Saudi Arabia arrested 15 violators of Hajj regulations at the entrances to Makkah after they tried to enter without a valid permit, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Interior announced that the Hajj Security Forces had arrested four residents and 11 citizens, who had attempted to transport 71 people on Monday.

The seasonal administrative committees of the General Directorate of Passports issued 15 administrative decisions against them, including a prison sentence for a period of 15 days for each carrier, and a fine of SR10,000 ($2,666).

The fine will be multiplied by the number of each violator transported, and the expatriate violators will be deported and prevented from entering the Kingdom, according to the legally specified periods after the execution of the sentence. One vehicle used for transportation has also been confiscated.

The Ministry of Interior has called on all citizens and expatriates to abide by Hajj regulations and instructions so that pilgrims can enjoy safety, security and comfort while performing their rituals.