The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced stringent penalties for violations of Hajj permit regulations ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season.
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According to the ministry, individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a valid permit could face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals. Those found sheltering or assisting unauthorized pilgrims may be fined up to 100,000 Riyals.
The regulations will be enforced from 1st Dhu al-Qi’dah to 14th Dhu al-Hijjah, covering the entire Hajj period. Authorities also warned that transporting visit visa holders to Makkah or other holy sites without proper authorization will result in penalties.
In addition to fines, violators may face deportation and a 10-year ban on re-entry into Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan has dispatched an 80-member advance team to Saudi Arabia to oversee arrangements for Hajj 2026. The delegation includes support staff and members of the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission.
Officials said that upon arrival in Makkah and Medina, the team will establish central control offices and service centres to facilitate pilgrims. A reception team will also begin operations ahead of the Hajj flight schedule, set to commence on April 18.
The advance team will finalise arrangements for accommodation, meals, and transportation, while the medical mission will set up hospitals and dispensaries to provide healthcare services to Pakistani pilgrims.
In a major facilitation measure, the Government of Pakistan has announced free SIM cards for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims under the long Hajj package (40 days) will receive 600 call minutes and 40GB of internet data, while those opting for the short package will be provided 300 minutes and 25GB of data at no cost.
