Saudi Arabia announces major fines for Hadzi visa offenders

The Ministry of Haxhi and Umres of Saudi Arabia has announced heavy fines of up to 100,000 SAR (about $26,000 (about 24,000 euros) and a possible ban on entering the Kingdom for violations of Hadzi's visa rules.

The ministry stressed the importance of obtaining an official permit to conduct Hagi's pilgrimage for the upcoming season to avoid punishment, foreign media write.

Thus, anyone caught committing Hadzi without official permission or visa visits will be fined.

That is also true of anyone who transports visa holders to Mecca or to shrines during the Hadzi era.

This includes housing those in hotels, apartments, private residences, shelters, or other accommodations for pilgrims, as well as hiding them or offering any form of help that enables them to stay in Mecca or in holy places.

“Dates increase with the number of violations. The violators, including residents and those who exceed the deadline of the position seized by trying to conduct Haxhin illegally, will be deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years”, a statement by the ministry posted on social media, the Telegrafi report, broadcast Periscopi.

Hagi is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and is required once in life for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable.

This year, Haxhi is expected to begin Friday evening, June 6th, and end Wednesday, June 11th. /Periscopi/