Transporting People Without Haj Permits Punishable By Fine, Jail -- Ministry

RIYADH, May 7 (Bernama-SPA) -- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior affirmed that citizens and residents caught transporting people without a Haj permit will face a fine of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals, imprisonment for up to six months, and a court-ordered confiscation of the vehicle.

The ministry added that expatriate violators would be deported after serving their penalties and banned from reentering the Kingdom for the legally specified periods, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The ministry stressed that a valid Haj permit is required to perform Haj.

It urged everyone to comply with regulations governing the 1447 AH Haj season and cooperate with the competent authorities to help ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, warning that violations are punishable by law.

It also called on the public to report violators.

-- BERNAMA-SPA