… warns against unauthorized pilgrimage
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a warning regarding strict penalties for individuals who violate Hajj permit regulations or assist others in doing so, effective from Tuesday, April 29 until around June 10.
According to the ministry, anyone found performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a valid permit — including holders of all types of visit visas — will face a fine of up to SR20,000 (approximately $5,331).
This also applies to individuals entering or staying in Makkah and the designated holy sites during the restricted period.
The Ministry of Interior has announced strict penalties for anyone attempting to perform or facilitate Hajj without a valid permit. Entering Makkah without authorization could lead to heavy fines, deportation, and vehicle confiscation.
Ensure your Hajj is legitimate—follow… pic.twitter.com/Uz8O3zq4xX
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) April 29, 2025
Additionally, a fine of up to SR100,000 may be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa on behalf of individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, or who facilitates their entry or stay in the restricted areas. The fines may multiply based on the number of individuals involved.
The same SR100,000 fine may also apply to those who transport, shelter, or assist visit visa holders in accessing the holy sites, including by concealing their presence or providing accommodation in any form — such as hotels, private homes, shelters, or Hajj-designated housing.
The ministry also noted that illegal infiltrators — including residents and overstayers — caught attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will be deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
In cases where a transporter or facilitator owns a vehicle used to carry individuals illegally to Makkah or the holy sites, authorities will seek court approval for the vehicle’s confiscation.
As first batch of pilgrims arrive Makkah, Madinah
In another development, the Kingdom on Tuesday received the first groups of pilgrims arriving to perform Hajj 2025, including those traveling under the “Makkah Route” initiative, as flights from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Malaysia landed in Jeddah and Madinah.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah welcomed a flight carrying 396 Bangladeshi pilgrims from Dhaka, received by Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser.
Hajj 1446 Arrivals today ⬇️
Malaysia 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/BDiEWPSb9F
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) April 29, 2025
The flight was among several scheduled arrivals through Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
Al-Jasser noted that six major airports have been designated to serve pilgrims this Hajj season: King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah), Prince Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport (Yanbu), Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), and King Fahd International Airport (Dammam).
Madinah also received several flights under the “Makkah Route” initiative. These included arrivals from Islamabad, Pakistan, Hyderabad, India (carrying 262 pilgrims), and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The “Makkah Route” initiative aims to streamline the Hajj journey by providing pre-departure visa issuance, customs, and immigration procedures at the airport of origin. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims are transported directly to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, with their luggage delivered separately through coordinated partner agencies.
….Hajj without permit is a sinful act – Senior Scholars
Also, the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars reaffirmed that performing the annual pilgrimage of Hajj without a valid permit is a sinful act.
The council has reiterated its previous statement, dated Shawwal 12, 1445 corresponding to April 21, 2024, underscoring that obtaining a permit is mandatory for anyone wishing to perform Hajj.
The council’s Secretary General Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed stated that the council’s fatwa (religious edict) on this matter is based on numerous pieces of evidence and Shariah principles, foremost among them is the Islamic teachings that emphasize easing religious duties for worshippers and alleviating hardship.
The requirement to obtain a Hajj permit was intended to regulate pilgrims, enabling these large crowds to perform their rituals in peace and safety. This is a valid Shariah objective established by Shariah evidence.
Sheikh Al-Majed said that the obligation to obtain a permit is consistent with serving the interests required by Shariah. This is because the government agencies responsible for organizing Hajj draw up a plan for the Hajj season with its various aspects: security, health, accommodation and food, based on the authorized number of pilgrims. The more the number of pilgrims matches the authorized number, the better the quality of services provided to pilgrims, which is a Shariah objective
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