In a bold move to tighten security and maintain the sanctity of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced strict new penalties targeting unauthorized pilgrims and those who aid them.
The announcement, made via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), outlines fines and sanctions intended to curb illegal access to Makkah and other holy sites during Hajj.
One of the most significant updates includes a fine of $26,661 for anyone who applies for a visit visa on behalf of individuals intending to perform Hajj without proper authorization.
The same penalty applies to those who transport, house, or otherwise assist visit visa holders in illegally entering or staying in Makkah during the restricted period.
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“This includes hiding their presence, accommodating them in hotels, apartments, or private homes, and providing any kind of support,” the ministry emphasized. Offenders will face multiplying fines per individual involved.
The enforcement window will run from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah to the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah — a period covering the lead-up to and duration of Hajj.
Key penalties include:
- $5,332 fine for any individual attempting Hajj without an official permit.
- Deportation and a 10-year ban for illegal residents or visa overstayers caught trying to participate in Hajj.
- Vehicle confiscation if used to transport violators, subject to a court ruling and ownership by the accomplice.
These strict measures are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to enhance crowd control, ensure public safety, and maintain religious order during one of Islam’s most sacred gatherings.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj will begin on May 9. According to Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, over 43,000 Nigerian pilgrims have completed their payment for the pilgrimage.
“The Commission is fully prepared for the airlift and we urge all pilgrims to adhere strictly to Saudi Arabia’s Hajj regulations,” she stated.
As Saudi Arabia ramps up its regulatory framework ahead of Hajj 2025, the message is clear: unauthorized access to the holy sites will not be tolerated. The new fines and deportation policies underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to a safe, secure, and spiritually respectful Hajj experience for all legitimate pilgrims.
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