Makkah: The Ministry of Interior announced that Hajj Security Forces arrested one resident and 10 Saudi citizens at entry points to Makkah for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 50 individuals without Hajj permits.

According to Saudi Press Agency, seasonal administrative committees issued rulings against the transporters, their accomplices, and those transported. The penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to SAR100,000, public naming of offenders, and deportation of the expatriate with a 10-year reentry ban after serving the sentence.

The ministry also called for the judicial confiscation of vehicles used in the unauthorized transport of pilgrims and emphasized that individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit may face a fine of up to SAR20,000.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety and tranquility of pilgrims.