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Saudi Arabia Implements Deportation for Unauthorized Hajj Performers |
Saudi authorities have begun imposing fines of up to 10,000 Riyals and deporting pilgrims who perform the Hajj without a valid permit.
According to the country's Ministry of Religious Affairs, the "no-permit, no-Hajj" policy applies to various locations, including Makkah city, central areas, holy sites, the Haramain train station, security checkpoints, screening centers, and temporary security checkpoints.
This regulation will remain in effect until June 20, 2024.
To facilitate movement at the holy sites, Saudi authorities have issued NUSUK identification cards to pilgrims.
The ministry also emphasizes that individuals caught transporting Hajj violators without a permit may face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to 50,000 riyals, and confiscation of their vehicle.
Non-citizen offenders will be deported following their sentence and will be prohibited from re-entering the kingdom for a specified duration.
Saudi Arabia's Public Security underscores that repeat offenders will incur double fines, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations to ensure the safety, security, comfort, and peace of Allah's guests during their rituals.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) advises Nigerian pilgrims to always carry their NUSUK identity cards while moving around in Makkah to avoid arrest by Saudi authorities. Pilgrims without the card will not be granted access to certain premises in Saudi Arabia.
