Interior Ministry penalizes 19 people for transporting 29 individuals without Hajj permits

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Interior took punitive measures against 14 Saudi citizens and five expatriates for violating Hajj laws and regulations. They were arrested at the entry points to Makkah while attempting to transport 29 individuals, who did not obtain permits to perform Hajj.The ministry issued administrative decisions against the violators through the seasonal administrative committees. The punitive measures include fines of up to SR100,000 against the transporters and anyone involved in the violations, in addition to imprisonment, and publicizing names of violators in the local media at their own personal expense. The penalties also include fines of up to SR20,000 against those transported for attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, deportation of expatriates, and a 10-year entry ban after completion of their sentences, as well as legal action seeking confiscation of the vehicles used to transport the violators. The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj laws and regulations.