JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior said people who perform or attempt to perform Hajj without an official permit face fines of up to SAR20,000, according to a Saudi Press Agency release published on May 17.
The ministry said the penalty applies from the first day of Dhu Al-Qi’dah through the end of Dhu Al-Hijjah 14, a seasonal enforcement window that began on April 18 and runs through May 31, under the 1447 AH calendar. The timing covers the run-up to Hajj, which is expected to begin on May 25, when pilgrims start the main rites on Dhu Al-Hijjah 8.
“The ministry urged everyone to comply with the regulations governing this year’s Hajj season and to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, noting that violations will subject offenders to legal penalties,” the Ministry of Interior says.
In a separate SPA release also published on May 17, the ministry said administrative decisions had been issued against five people accused of transporting seven individuals who did not hold Hajj permits. The decisions included fines of up to SAR100,000 against transporters and others involved, as well as penalties against those transported for attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.
The measures also included deportation of expatriates and a 10-year ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia, according to the release.
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore all send pilgrims through quota-based Hajj systems, hence private travel routes and tourist visas can create opportunities for unauthorised attempts. In Indonesia alone, the country’s state-owned agency Antara reported earlier this month that authorities had intercepted 80 Indonesians at several airports over suspected non-procedural Hajj departures.
“Until today, 80 enforcement actions have been carried out by immigration colleagues across several locations,” Rizka Anungnata, secretary of Indonesia’s Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah, told Antara, referring to checks in Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Yogyakarta.
This year, Indonesia has a confirmed 2026 Hajj quota of 221,000 pilgrims, while Malaysia’s official quota stands at 31,600 pilgrims.
