Hajj rules violators face imprisonment, fine, deportation

Anyone to be found involved in facilitating illegal travel of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will be punished by imprisonment, or fine or deportation, said the Hajj passports section official on Monday.

All preparations have been accomplished for receiving pilgrims from abroad and inside the kingdom, said Dhaifullah bin Sattam al Howaify.

Administrative committees will impose immediate sanctions on those who found moving pilgrims without permits.

Any violator will be jailed for at least 15 days and fined up to 10,000 riyals, said Howaify. If arrested twice, the violator will be jailed for two months and fined 25,000 riyals.

Imprisonment will stretch to six months and fine will jump to 50,000 riyals if arrested for a third time, said the official.

Saudi Arabia receives millions for pilgrims from all over the world during the annual season of Hajj.