RIYADH, April 30 – In a firm move to maintain the sanctity and security of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rolled out stringent penalties against individuals and facilitators who flout regulations by attempting to undertake or assist others in performing Hajj without official permits.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior, in a public announcement aimed at curbing the influx of unregistered pilgrims, disclosed that a hefty fine of up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately ₦45 million) will be imposed on any person found to be aiding or abetting illegal pilgrims. This includes those who arrange visit visas under false pretenses, provide shelter, transport, or any form of logistical support to individuals seeking to perform the pilgrimage without due authorization.
The enforcement period is set to run from the 1st of Dhul Qaida (April 29, 2025) through to the 14th of Dhul Hijja (June 10, 2025), which covers the peak of the Hajj season. During this time, strict monitoring and screening protocols will be in place across all entry points into Mecca and the designated holy sites.
According to the Ministry, any individual—regardless of nationality—found within the holy precincts without a valid Hajj permit risks facing a direct fine of up to SR20,000. This policy is especially targeted at holders of visit visas who may attempt to exploit their access for religious purposes not covered by their entry conditions. The fine doubles in severity if the act is repeated or involves multiple individuals, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance approach.
In a statement released via official channels, Saudi authorities emphasized that not only the pilgrims, but also the enablers of such infractions will be held accountable. Anyone found guilty of harboring, transporting, or assisting unauthorized visitors, particularly in Mecca or the Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat zones, will be slammed with a fine of up to SR100,000. The law allows for the penalty to be multiplied based on the number of individuals involved in the violation.
Furthermore, violators who are residents of the Kingdom or whose visas have expired will be deported immediately and barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for a period of ten years. In cases where transportation is provided using a privately-owned vehicle, the courts have been instructed to confiscate such vehicles if it is proven that the owner was complicit in the illegal activity.
These measures are part of the Saudi government’s broader efforts to regulate Hajj attendance and ensure a safe, organized pilgrimage in line with quota systems agreed upon with various nations, including Nigeria. With over two million Muslims expected to converge on Mecca this year, authorities are determined to prevent the chaos and overcrowding that could result from unauthorized participation.
The Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has since warned prospective pilgrims to adhere strictly to the official guidelines and to only embark on the sacred journey through approved channels. Any attempt to bypass the laid down process, according to the commission, could lead to disastrous consequences both within and outside the Kingdom.
As the world’s largest annual religious gathering draws nearer, all intending pilgrims from Nigeria and elsewhere are strongly advised to secure proper documentation and comply with Saudi Arabia’s regulatory framework to avoid legal troubles that could extend beyond the Hajj season.
