As the annual Hajj pilgrimage draws closer, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a series of strict penalties. The strict measures will be used to stop anyone from taking part in the Islamic pilgrimage without permission. The purpose of the move is to make the pilgrimage safer and better organized while maintaining the holiness of this Islamic practice.
The directive, from April 29 until June 10 (1 Dhul-Qi’dah to 14 Dhul-Hijjah) , threatens to remove such people from the country permanently with hefty fines and entry bans if they try Hajj without the necessary permits. The exact dates of the pilgrimage are determined by when the new moon is spotted which is between June 4 and June 9.
According to the directive, anyone found entering the holy cities of Mecca and Medina during the restricted period without a valid Hajj permit could face a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately INR 4.5 lakh). The regulation applies to all, including tourists and visit visa holders.
A financial penalty of up to SAR 20,000 shall be imposed on anyone apprehended performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, as well as on holders of all types of visit visas who enter, attempt to enter, or remain in the city of Makkah or the Holy Sites.… pic.twitter.com/kGoN1qp8GZ
---Advertisement---— إمارة منطقة مكة المكرمة (@makkahregion) May 2, 2025
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Authorities have also warned those who facilitate unauthorized pilgrimages. Individuals found arranging travel, accommodation, or documentation for unregistered pilgrims may be fined up to 100,000 Riyals (approximately INR 22.7 lakh) per violation.
The government also stated that if you enter Saudi Arabia illegally for the hajj, you may be deported and you won’t be allowed to come back for 10 years. And in addition, vehicles used for such journeys may be taken by court order, especially if they belong to the offenders. Accommodation owners may be subject to fines if they take in pilgrims who have not registered. The Ministry said the purpose of the new rules is to regulate crowds, ensure everyone remains safe and maintain the holiness of sacred sites.
Hajj: A Sacred Obligation
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a religious duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. It involves a series of rites performed in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina over five to six days in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, and it concludes with the festival of Eid al-Adha.
Millions of Muslims from across the world attend the pilgrimage every year.
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