Makkah: The Ministry of Interior announced that Hajj security forces at the entrances to Makkah arrested three expatriates and nine citizens for violating Hajj regulations and instructions by transporting 43 individuals who did not hold permits to perform Hajj.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry issued administrative decisions through seasonal administrative committees. The penalties included fines of up to SAR100,000 against transporters and anyone involved in the violations, imprisonment, public naming of offenders, and fines of up to SAR20,000 against individuals transported for attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.

The penalties also include deportation of expatriates and banning them from entering the Kingdom for 10 years after serving their sentences, in addition to seeking judicial confiscation of vehicles used to transport the violators.

The Ministry of Interior urged citizens and expatriates to comply with and adhere to Hajj regulations and instructions.