Egyptian arrested for transporting four undocumented individuals who lacked official Hajj permits

Dubai: Saudi authorities have arrested four Indonesian residents in Madinah for allegedly defrauding individuals by falsely claiming to offer sacrificial animal slaughter (Hady) services for a fee.

The suspects were apprehended by Madinah police and have been referred to the Public Prosecution following initial legal proceedings. Authorities stated the group had promoted fraudulent services targeting pilgrims through unofficial channels.

The Saudi Public Security warned against deceptive advertisements circulating on social media, particularly those claiming to provide Hajj services on behalf of others, including Hady sacrifices, the sale of Hajj identification bracelets, and transportation arrangements. It cautioned that many of these offers originate from individuals and entities operating without authorization.

Separately, Hajj security forces arrested an Egyptian national for transporting four undocumented individuals who lacked official Hajj permits. The group was intercepted en route to Mecca and has been referred to the appropriate judicial committee for sanctions.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has reiterated that only holders of official Hajj visas are permitted to perform the pilgrimage. Visit visa holders, regardless of category, are prohibited from entering Mecca and the holy sites between Dhul-Qa’dah 1 and Dhul-Hijjah 14. Violators face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,300), deportation, and a 10-year reentry ban.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE