Saudi Arabia: More than 150,000 violations of Hajj visa rules

According to a report by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, 153,000 visitor visa holders have been apprehended for violating regulations related to the Hajj pilgrimage in 2023. This alarming figure underscores the importance of strictly respect the conditions of entry and stay in Saudi Arabia during this sacred period.

Details of violations

Saudi authorities have identified several types of violations committed by visit visa holders, including:

• Illegal entry into the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah without Hajj permit
• Attempts to participate in Hajj rituals with an inadequate visa
• Exceeding the period of stay authorized by the visa

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the violations observed:

These figures demonstrate the need for pilgrims to obtain the appropriate visas and to scrupulously respect the regulations in force.

Penalties incurred

Faced with this worrying situation, the Saudi Interior Ministry has announced severe sanctions against offenders. A fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals (around 2,500 euros) will be imposed on anyone who is in the holy places without a Hajj permit between June 2 and June 20, 2024. In the event of a repeat offense, this fine may reach 100,000 Saudi riyals (around 25,000 euros).

In addition, expatriates at fault are exposed to expulsion from Saudi territory and to a return ban the duration of which will be determined by law. As for persons illegally transporting pilgrims, they risk up to 6 months of imprisonment, a fine of 50,000 Saudi riyals (around 12,500 euros) and the confiscation of their vehicles. These draconian measures aim to preserve the integrity of the Hajj and to guarantee the safety of authorized pilgrims.

Call for compliance with regulations

In the face of the increase in these violations, the Saudi Council of Ulemas, the highest religious authority in the kingdom, has reiterated that performing Hajj without an official permit is a sin. The Hajj Ministry has also urged the faithful to use only official channels to obtain their visas and to strictly comply with the conditions of entry and stay.

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New regulations for Hajj 2024

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has clarified that the Hajj visa is the only one that allows pilgrims to perform the Hajj rituals in 2024. This visa is valid only for a stay in the cities of Jeddah, Medina and Makkah, and does not allow work, residence or travel outside these areas, under penalty of being banned from participating in Hajj in the future and being expelled from the territory.

To facilitate the process, The official website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah now offers electronic registration for Hajj visa via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform. Applicants must register before 7th Dhu Al Hijjah or until the pilgrim quota is reached.

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