Makkah: The Ministry of Interior announced that Hajj security forces at the entry points to Makkah arrested three expatriates and two citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 18 individuals without permits to perform Hajj.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry stated that seasonal administrative committees issued penalties, including fines of up to SAR100,000 against the transporters and those involved in the violation, imprisonment, and public disclosure of their identities, as well as fines of up to SAR20,000 against the transported individuals for attempting to perform Hajj without permits. Expatriates will be deported and banned from re-entry into the Kingdom for 10 years after serving their sentences, in addition to legal proceedings to confiscate the vehicles used in transporting the violators.

The Ministry of Interior called on all citizens and residents to comply with the Hajj regulations and instructions.