Saudi Arabia Imposes 100,000 Riyal Fine for Hosting Visitors on Expired Visas in Makkah

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning to enforce strict regulations during the upcoming Hajj season, aiming to ensure the safety and security of all pilgrims. A significant financial penalty of up to 100,000 riyals will be levied against individuals or entities found to be hosting or providing any form of assistance to visitors on visit visas who overstay their permitted duration in the holy city of Makkah and the sacred sites.

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A financial penalty of up to (100,000) riyals will be imposed on anyone who hosts holders of visit visas of all types in any designated residential area (hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, pilgrim housing sites, and others), or conceals them, or provides any assistance that leads to their staying in the city of Mecca and the holy sites starting from today (the first) of the month of Dhul-Qi'dah until the end of the 14th day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.

This measure, effective from the beginning of Dhu al-Qi'dah until the end of Dhu al-Hijjah, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to managing the influx of pilgrims and visitors efficiently and lawfully. The penalties are designed to be cumulative, meaning that the fines will increase with each individual found to be in violation of these regulations. This strict approach is intended to deter any attempts to circumvent immigration laws and to maintain order during one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

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The fines will multiply based on the number of violating individuals who are hosted, concealed, or assisted.

The Ministry has called upon all residents and visitors to strictly adhere to the established guidelines for the Hajj season (1447 AH) and to actively cooperate with the relevant authorities. To facilitate this, reporting channels have been established, with the number 911 designated for the regions of Makkah, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 for other regions across the Kingdom. This initiative aims to foster a collective responsibility in upholding the sanctity and security of the Hajj.

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The ministry urged everyone to adhere to the regulations governing this year's Hajj season (1447 AH) and to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of the guests of Allah, affirming that violating these regulations exposes offenders to legal penalties.

From our perspective here in Saudi Arabia, these regulations are not merely bureaucratic rules; they are essential for safeguarding the spiritual experience of millions of Muslims. Ensuring that only those with valid Hajj permits are present in the holy sites prevents overcrowding and allows for better management of resources and security. This proactive stance by the Ministry of Interior reflects the Kingdom's dedication to serving the guests of Allah with the utmost care and diligence, ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for all.

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It also called for immediate reporting of violators through the number (911) in the regions of Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and the number (999) in the rest of the Kingdom's regions.