Makkah: The Ministry of Interior announced that the Hajj Security Forces at the entrances to Makkah apprehended one expatriate and seven citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 18 individuals without valid permits.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry has imposed fines of up to SAR100,000 on the transporters and all those involved in the violations. Additionally, fines of up to SAR20,000 were levied on the individuals who attempted to perform Hajj without the necessary permits.

The expatriate violators will face deportation and a 10-year ban from re-entering the Kingdom after serving their sentences. The ministry has also ordered the confiscation of the vehicles used in the unauthorized transport.