Saudi Arabia warns of deportation, 10-year ban for Hajj violators

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Interior has warned that residents attempting to perform Hajj without a valid permit will face immediate deportation and a 10-year entry ban, as the Kingdom steps up enforcement of pilgrimage regulations.

Reiterating that possession of an official permit is mandatory, authorities urged strict compliance to ensure safety and order during the annual pilgrimage. The Ministry advised residents to report any violations via emergency numbers 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 in other areas.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said on Tuesday that the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign remains central to the government’s broader efforts to organise the pilgrimage effectively under Vision 2030. He confirmed that more than 1,070,000 international pilgrims have already arrived, including 249,000 through the streamlined Makkah Route Initiative.

Al-Dossary noted that preparations include more than 25,000 mosques equipped across Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, along with distribution of millions of Qur’ans and digital ID cards to facilitate pilgrim services. Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel also urged pilgrims to follow health protocols, stating the Kingdom’s medical infrastructure is fully prepared for any emergencies during Hajj.