Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior is intensifying efforts to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering Makkah and the holy sites during the Hajj season, Arab News agency reported.
Authorities recently arrested 42 expatriates in Al-Hijrah district of Makkah for violating Hajj regulations while holding various types of visit visas, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
In a separate incident, a Ghanaian resident was detained for attempting to smuggle four women into Makkah by hiding them in a bus luggage compartment. Legal actions are underway against all involved.
The ministry has set fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600) for transporting or sheltering visit visa holders in restricted areas. Unauthorized entry or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit carry penalties of up to SR20,000, along with deportation and a 10-year reentry ban.
