Saudi Arabia: Ghanaian resident, 4 women detained while trying to illegally enter Mecca for Hajj

Dubai: A Ghanaian resident has been arrested by Hajj security forces for attempting to transport four expatriate women to Mecca in violation of Hajj regulations.

The man, driving a bus, tried to smuggle the women into the holy city by concealing them in the luggage compartment, bypassing the necessary Hajj permits.

The security forces detained the driver and the passengers, referring them to the competent committee for legal proceedings.

Since April 29, Saudi Arabia has tightened access to Mecca and Medina for the Hajj season, with a ban on individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a special permit.

The restriction will remain in place until June 10, aligning with the end of the pilgrimage.

Entry to the holy sites will only be allowed with a dedicated Hajj visa. Violators attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, or those with visit visas seeking to enter or remain in the holy cities during the restricted period, face fines up to 20,000 Saudi riyals.

Additionally, individuals applying for visit visas for others attempting Hajj without authorization, or who remain in Mecca during the restricted period, face fines up to 100,000 Saudi riyals.

Offenders, whether residents or those with expired visas, will also face deportation and a ten-year ban from re-entering the Kingdom.