Cairo: Saudi Arabia will levy a fine of SR10,000 on any Muslim who attempts to perform the Umrah or minor pilgrimage without a permit in the coming holy month of Ramadan, an official source at the Interior Ministry said.
The worshippers trying to access the Grand Mosque without permits in Mecca will, meanwhile, be fined SR1,000 each, the source added.
The measures come in line with precautions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 and the safe operation capacity of the Grand Mosque, according to the source.
“Security men will undertake their tasks on all roads and checkpoints leading to the Holy Mecca Sanctuary to prevent any attempt to violate regulations in force,” the source said.
Peak season
The capacity of the Grand Mosque has been increased to reach 50,000 Umrah pilgrims and 100,000 worshippers per day in Ramadan, usually a peak season for performing the Umrah.
Earlier this week, Saudi authorities announced that only “immunised” people against COVID-19 will be allowed to perform the Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque’s Mosque starting from Ramadan 1.
The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has defined the eligible “immunised” worshippers as those who have received two doses of vaccination against COVID-19; those receiving a single dose of inoculation at least 14 days in advance; and those who have recovered from the virus infection.
