Saudi Arabia arrests Indian resident for transporting unauthorised Hajj pilgrims

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced a series of arrests and penalties targeting individuals violating Hajj transportation regulations ahead of this year’s pilgrimage season.

On Tuesday, Hajj Security Forces detained an Indian resident for transporting 22 individuals holding visit visas without official Hajj permits. The individual was referred to the competent authorities to face strict legal measures, including potential fines and deportation.

In another operation, the ministry announced that 12 expatriates and eight Saudi citizens were also penalized for similar violations.

These individuals were arrested at entry points to Mecca while transporting 60 unauthorised persons attempting to perform Hajj without permits.

The Ministry of Interior has issued administrative decisions against all transporters, their accomplices, and those who received illegal transportation.

Penalties include imprisonment, maximum fines of 100,000 Saudi riyals, confiscation of vehicles used in illicit transport, deportation of expatriates, and a 10-year ban on re-entry upon sentence completion.

Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations to ensure the safety, security, and smooth experience of pilgrims performing their sacred rituals.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply fully with official instructions to preserve the sanctity and order of the pilgrimage.

 -- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE