Makkah: The Ministry of Interior announced that Hajj security forces at the entry points to Makkah apprehended five expatriates and 14 citizens for violating Hajj laws and regulations by transporting 29 individuals who did not hold permits to perform Hajj.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry issued administrative decisions through the seasonal administrative committees, including fines of up to SAR100,000 against the transporters and anyone involved in the violations, imprisonment, and public naming of the offenders. The penalties also include fines of up to SAR20,000 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.