The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has emphasized that strict adherence to official Hajj permits is vital for ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims. Compliance with these regulations enables pilgrims to perform their rituals smoothly, while supporting orderly movement and stability throughout the Hajj season, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Permit System as a Crowd Management Tool
The ministry highlighted that the permit system serves as a key instrument for crowd management and the balanced distribution of pilgrims at holy sites. This ensures that services are delivered efficiently at the appropriate time and place. Violations not only incur legal penalties but also threaten pilgrim safety and the effectiveness of service operations.
Warning Against Unlicensed Campaigns
The ministry cautioned against unlicensed Hajj campaigns and misleading advertisements circulating on social media. It is coordinating with Hajj affairs offices worldwide to raise awareness and provide guidance to pilgrims before arrival, helping to organize the pilgrimage from the outset.
Prospective pilgrims are urged to verify their permits before travel, reaffirming that the 'No Hajj Without a Permit' policy is essential for a safe and spiritual experience.
Penalties for Violations
The Ministry of Interior announced a fine of up to SR100,000 ($26,700) for anyone who applies for a visit visa for individuals who perform or attempt to perform Hajj without a permit, or who enter or stay in Makkah and holy sites. The fine will be multiplied based on the number of individuals involved in such offenses.
The ministry urged full compliance with Hajj regulations and cooperation with authorities to ensure pilgrim safety, warning that violations will result in legal penalties. The public is encouraged to report offenses by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.
Red Crescent Operational Plan
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Madinah has issued its operational plan for the Hajj season, part of early preparations to strengthen ambulance readiness. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, director general of the authority's Madinah branch, said the plan aims to provide emergency medical and ambulance services for visitors to the Prophet's Mosque and roads leading to Madinah.
Implementation began in mid-April and will continue until the end of June, covering all stages of pilgrim arrival and departure. The plan includes 10 operational sectors supported by more than 90 ambulance units. These comprise 54 ambulance vehicles and 27 rapid response teams on motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, golf carts, and Rufaidah electric vehicles, in addition to special disaster response units for multi-casualty incidents.
All units are equipped with modern medical technologies, with full readiness for air ambulance support to handle critical cases. Al-Zahrani said the plan involves more than 700 medical, technical, and administrative staff in an integrated system to ensure rapid response and high performance. Field coverage is strengthened inside the Prophet's Mosque and its surrounding courtyards based on operational demand.
