Deborah Akinyosoye
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has once again stressed that no one will be allowed to perform Hajj without a valid permit.
In a statement released on 28th April 2025, the ministry warned that strict penalties will be applied to anyone who violates Hajj visa regulations.
According to the statement, anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will face a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals.
The same applies to holders of visit visas who enter or remain in Makkah or the Holy Sites between the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah and the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.
More severe penalties await those who assist or enable such violations. Individuals who apply for visit visas on behalf of others who go on to break the Hajj permit rule may be fined up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals. The same fine applies to anyone who transports, shelters, or helps visit visa holders reach or remain in Makkah or the Holy Sites during the restricted period. These fines will multiply depending on the number of people involved.
Additionally, residents and visa overstayers found performing Hajj illegally will be deported and banned from re-entering Saudi Arabia for ten years.
In more serious cases, if a vehicle is used to transport visit visa holders into Makkah during the restricted time, and the transporter is found to be the owner or an accomplice, the authorities will seek a court order to confiscate the vehicle. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) urges all intending pilgrims to comply strictly with these regulations and reminds the public that Hajj without an official permit is prohibited.