Illegal Hajj Pilgrims Punished: SAR 100K Fine & Deportation Looms
Every year, crores of Muslims go on the holy Haj Yatra to Saudi Arabia. This is one of the five pillars of Islam, which consists of faith, worship and unity. Unfortunately some people do not follow the rules. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a massive punishment for illegal hajj pilgrims and those helping them. If you are planning to go to Mecca or know someone who is going, do read this and share. The fine is very hefty and saying “I did not know” will not solve anything.
Also Read: Hajj Preparation : Essential Checklist for Hajj 2025 – What to Pack and How to Prepare For Hajj 2025
Why are these new rules so big?
Hajj is not a small thing. Crores of people come together to Mecca, and the Saudi government works day and night to ensure that everyone is safe, secure and the journey runs smoothly. People who perform Hajj illegally don’t just break rules—they put a burden on resources, create chaos and become a danger to themselves and others. To stop this, Saudi Arabia has taken strict measures. Whether you are a pilgrim or helping someone, these new rules are a big warning. Come on, let’s check the details.
Punishment for Illegal Pilgrims: Fine, Ban and Deportation
If you are thinking that you will enter Mecca without proper Haj permit, then think again. These are the risks:
- Fine of SAR 20,000: You heard it right—those who try to do Haj on a visit visa or try to enter Mecca will have to pay a big fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals. This is almost 4 lakh rupees in Indian currency.
- Deportation and 10 years ban: If you are there illegally (whether you are a resident or have overstayed your visa), you will be sent back to your country and cannot return to Saudi Arabia for 10 years. Imagine, due to one mistake you will not be able to perform Hajj for 10 years.
These penalties are not just about money—they are to protect the sanctity of Hajj. Saudi Arabia is giving a clear message: break the rules and there will be bad consequences.
Big punishment for those who help (Agent or Company)
Not just pilgrims, Agent or agency or any other resident, who help illegal pilgrims—whether by applying for visa, transporting them or giving them a place—they too are in big trouble. Know this:
- Fine of SAR 100,000 for Visa: If Agent apply for a visit visa for someone who is going to perform illegal Hajj, Agent or agency will have to pay a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyal. And if you did this for many people? The fine will increase for each one. It is almost 20 lakh rupees for one person.
- For those who provide transport and shelter: Those who take visit visa holders to Mecca or other holy places during Haj season will also be fined 100,000 Riyals. The same applies to those who hide illegal pilgrims in hotels, apartments or any other place.
- The fine will increase for each one: The fine for helping each illegal pilgrim will multiply. Meaning, if you help a group, you can be fined lakhs of rupees.
The risks are huge and the Saudi authorities are not joking. If you are involved in this illegal work, you are not just breaking the rules – you are gambling with your money and future.
The vehicle will also be confiscated.
Thinking that you will be able to drop the illegal pilgrims at Mecca and get away? Think again. Saudi Arabia has a zero-tolerance policy for transporters:
- Vehicles can be confiscated: If you take visit visa holders to Mecca or holy places during the Haj season and get caught, your vehicle can be confiscated. This happens even if the vehicle is yours, or of a helper or of a companion.
Losing a vehicle is bad enough, but when you add penalties and legal hassles to it, the matter becomes even bigger.
Why are these rules so important?
You must be thinking, “Why is Saudi Arabia so strict?” The answer is simple: security and sanctity. Hajj is a big challenge—crores of people come together. Every illegal pilgrim adds an extra burden. From crowded hotels to medical services, the risks are real. Saudi Arabia not only protects the yatra from these rules, but also protects the rights of crores of legal pilgrims.
These rules are not just about control—they are about the dignity of Islam’s holiest traditions. Haj is such an occasion where the heart is opened for Allah, and it is everyone’s duty to protect it.
Final point: Don’t take risks
Whether you are planning to do Hajj or thinking of helping someone else break the rules, the message is clear: the risks far outweigh the benefits. The penalties are huge, the terms are long, and the consequences can drag on for years. If you want to do Hajj, do it the right way. Get the proper permit, follow the rules and respect the process. Otherwise? Big financial losses and a 10-year-long break from a necessary trip—it’s no joke. May Allah Accept Your Hajj Journey….
Source : Siasat.com
