Riyadh, April 29 (H.S.): The Saudi Arabian Interior Ministry has announced penalties for individuals who violate Hajj permit regulations and their accomplices. The ministry stated that this punitive measure has been implemented as of April 28 and will remain in effect until June 10. Individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit or facilitating such attempts will be fined up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (5,331.43 US dollars).

According to Arab News, the Interior Ministry clarified that any individual applying for a visit visa will face a fine of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals. This economic penalty will apply to anyone transporting travel visa holders to the city of Mecca and holy sites during the specified period or attempting to do so. The penalty will also be imposed on those providing accommodation in any residence, including hotels, apartments, private homes, shelters, or lodging sites. In special cases, the economic penalty may be increased.

The ministry stated that a request will be made to the relevant court to seize vehicles used for transporting travel visa holders to the city of Mecca and holy sites during the specified period if the ownership lies with the transporter, facilitator, or any associate.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar