Saudi Arabia arrests 30 government employees in Hajj permit corruption case

They allowed residents without permits to bypass Hajj security checkpoints

Last updated: August 14, 2025 | 05:27

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As part of a campaign to expose undocumented pilgrims, a Saudi security man checks a pilgrim’s permit at the entrance to the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Supplied/file

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, known as Nazaha, has arrested 30 government employees accused of facilitating illegal pilgrimages to Mecca as part of a sweeping crackdown on graft.

The arrests, made in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, involve allegations that the officials — including 26 Interior Ministry employees — allowed Saudi citizens and residents without permits to bypass Hajj security checkpoints.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia uncovers 18 major corruption cases involving doctors, police officers and officials

Two Defence Ministry employees, and one each from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Nazaha itself, were also held.

Nazaha said the case is one of several recent criminal investigations. Other arrests include a former university staff member accused of embezzling SR100,800; a passports officer suspected of taking bribes to extend temporary visas; and a mayoralty employee accused of cancelling municipal violations for payments.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia arrests 131 in major anti-corruption crackdown

In separate incidents, officials were detained for allegedly taking bribes to overlook safety breaches, process unauthorised property construction, provide court case updates for money, use impounded license plates on personal vehicles, and sell customer data from the National Water Company.

Nazaha stressed it would continue to pursue anyone who exploits public office for personal gain, even after they leave government service, and warned that the law will be enforced “without leniency.”

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.