In a move ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage for 2024 (1445 AH), Saudi Arabia has turned away more than 300,000 people from entering Makkah due to the absence of valid Hajj permits. According to the Saudi Press Agency, this figure includes 153,998 pilgrims who arrived on tourist visas instead of Hajj visas. Saudi authorities are preparing to host more than 1.5 million pilgrims for the Haj pilgrimage this week.

Director of Public Security, Muhammad Al-Bassami, announced stricter measures to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj this year. From midnight on the fifth of Dhu Al-Hijjah until the end of the 13th day, unauthorized vehicles will be prohibited from entering the holy sites.

Fines To Be Imposed 

Individuals transporting pilgrims without valid Hajj permits will face severe penalties. These include imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to 50,000 Saudi Riyal for each unauthorized pilgrim transported. Courts may also confiscate the vehicle used and deport the transporter if they are a resident, with an entry ban for a period determined by the system.

Pilgrims without valid Hajj permits will be fined 10,000 Saudi Riyal. For residents, this will be followed by deportation and a temporary entry ban as outlined by the system.

Additionally, the Saudi Ministry of Interior reported that during the past week, authorities raided 140 fake Hajj campaigns and 64 carriers for violating Hajj regulations.