The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented stringent measures to deter unauthorized participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, imposing hefty fines of SAR 50,000 for individuals attempting to perform Hajj without proper permits.
This penalty equates to nearly Rs4 million PKR and applies to both residents and visitors, with violators facing potential jail time of up to six months and expulsion from the country for a period of 10 years upon completion of the sentence.
The announcement underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage, one of the largest gatherings globally, which saw over 1.8 million participants in 2023.
Read also: Passport Issuance Commences for Hajj Pilgrims Across Pakistan
Saudi Arabia has introduced the Nusuk platform online, facilitating Hajj arrangements for pilgrims.
Furthermore, as part of efforts to regulate access to pilgrimage sites, individuals without entry permits are prohibited from entering the holy city of Makkah from May 15, including residents.