In a sweeping disciplinary action that underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s zero-tolerance stance on Hajj violations, the country’s Anti-Corruption Authority has announced the suspension of 30 government employees accused of attempting to unlawfully assist individuals in performing the Hajj pilgrimage without proper authorization.
According to the source gathered that those suspended span across several key government institutions, including one official from Nazaha—the very body tasked with oversight and anti-corruption enforcement. In addition, 26 individuals from the Ministry of Interior, two from the Ministry of Defense, and one from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs have also been implicated in what authorities described as a coordinated attempt to bypass established security protocols during the annual religious exercise.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused personnel were involved in efforts to smuggle both citizens and residents into the Hajj zones without adhering to official permit regulations. These permits are a legal requirement set by Saudi authorities to control the number of pilgrims and maintain order and safety throughout the sacred event. The alleged scheme reportedly involved bypassing security checkpoints, thereby undermining the government’s stringent measures to manage crowd control and protect the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
A statement issued by the Anti-Corruption Authority reaffirmed that violations of Hajj regulations—especially those involving abuse of public office—will attract swift and uncompromising legal consequences. Officials emphasized that the sacred nature of the Hajj requires full adherence to legal and organizational procedures, adding that exploiting religious events for personal or political gain will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Saudi Arabia, which hosts millions of pilgrims from around the world annually, has consistently implemented robust systems to safeguard the integrity of the Hajj. This includes the enforcement of strict permit guidelines, high-level surveillance at entry points, and a strong security presence to detect and deter any form of illegal access. The recent suspensions serve as a stern warning to public officials and private citizens alike that attempts to manipulate the Hajj process will be met with the full force of the law.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the matter and have hinted that more disciplinary actions could follow if additional evidence emerges. As part of wider efforts to promote transparency and uphold national values, Saudi Arabia has reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels, regardless of the status or affiliation of those involved.
This latest crackdown, according to the sources, reinforces the message that integrity and accountability remain at the heart of the Kingdom’s governance—especially where sacred obligations like Hajj are concerned.