Hajj 2025: Expat nabbed in Saudi Arabia over aiding undocumented pilgrims

Cairo: Saudi security authorities have arrested an expatriate illegally transporting undocumented pilgrims as the kingdom has intensified a clampdown on irregular pilgrims in the run-up to the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Hajj security forces said they had apprehended the expatriate, an Egyptian national, for transporting 22 expatriates in violation of Hajj regulations.

He was driving a bus, attempting to transport them to the Saudi holy city of Mecca without obtaining mandatory official permits to perform the Hajj rites.

The violators were referred to the competent committee to face related penalties.

Saudi authorities have sternly warned against offering any assistance to undocumented pilgrims.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has said that a fine of up to SR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who shelters or attempts to shelter visit visa holders of all types in any housing place, hide them, or provide them with any assistance that would enable them to remain in Mecca and the holy sites during the Hajj season.

The fines will be multiplied based on the number of violators sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

Undocumented pilgrims, whether expatriates or visitors, will be deported to their countries and be barred from entering the kingdom for 10 years.

The ministry will ask the competent court to confiscate the transportation means used in carrying the illegal pilgrims.

Saudi authorities have repeatedly said that a Hajj visa is mandatory and that a visit visa does not qualify its holders to undertake the pilgrimage rites.