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Indian expat faces INR 2.3mn fine for illegally transporting pilgrims to Makkah

An Indian expatriate is facing SR 100,000 - around INR 22,81,024, fine for illegally transporting pilgrims to Makkah without Hajj permit

Wednesday May 21, 2025 12:14 PM, ummid.com News Network

[The Indian national who faces the SR 100,000 fine was arrested by the Hajj Security Forces Tuesday May 20, 2025. (Image: Saudi Gazette)]

Makkah al Mukarramah: An Indian expatriate is facing SR 100,000 - around INR 22,81,024, fine for illegally transporting pilgrims to Makkah without Hajj permit.

Hajj Permit

Hajj permit is a special type of entry pass granted, along with Saudi Visa, specifically to pilgrims who arrive in the Kingdom to perform Hajj.

Entering Makkah without a valid Hajj permit invites a penalty of SR 20,000 (approximately INR 4.5 lakh). Those, who facilitate such unauthorized entries or transport, shelter or conceal individuals without permits face a fine of SR 100,000, the Saudi authorities had announced earlier.

In addition to fines, violators can be deported and banned from re-entering the Kingdom, the Saudi rules for Hajj permit violators said.

Crackdown on Hajj regulations violators

The Indian national who faces the SR 100,000 fine was arrested by the Hajj Security Forces Tuesday May 20, 2025.

According to Saudi Gazette, he was transporting 22 pilgrims, who do not have Hajj permits, to Makkah.

The authorities did not reveal the name and identity of the Indian expatriate. This is as per the Saudi Shariah Law which forbids disclosure of the identities of the persons arrested or facing legal action in any case.

Two days ago, the Saudi Ministry of Interior had penalized 12 expatriates and 8 Saudi citizens for violating Hajj regulations. The Hajj Security Forces stationed at the entry points to Makkah arrested these people while transporting 60 individuals without permits to perform Hajj.

On Monday, the Hajj Security Forces had arrested 3 Bangladeshi residents for violating Hajj regulations by attempting to enter Makkah without a permit.

Why Hajj Permit?

Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam. To perform Hajj is mandatory on every Muslim – man or woman, who is healthy, fit to travel and afford the cost.

Saudi authorities issue Hajj permits to around 2 million pilgrims from the Kingdom and abroad who travel to Holy Sites in Makkah to perform the annual pilgrimage.

The authorities limit the entry of pilgrims to Makkah and issue Hajj permits to avoid heavy rush and facilitate safe, smooth and pleasant Hajj journey.

The Hajj rituals this year is likely to begin on June 04, 2025 and continue till June 10, 2025. The confirmed date and time of Hajj 2025 will be decided after sighting of the Dhul Hijjah Moon (Eid al Adha Moon) on May 27, 2025.

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