Security forces crack down on illegal Hajj entry

The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent people without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites. (X/@insharifain)
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Updated 27 May 2025
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Security forces crack down on illegal Hajj entry

  • Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested six residents and 14 citizens for transporting 99 individuals without Hajj permits
  • Ministry of Interior urged full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrim safety

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent people without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized.

Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested six residents and 14 citizens for transporting 99 individuals without Hajj permits, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In a separate incident, the forces arrested two citizens for transporting 15 individuals in violation of Hajj regulations and attempting to bring them into Makkah.

Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), the public naming of violators, deportation of residents and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing.

The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transportation and fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

It urged full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrim safety and reminded the public that entering Makkah between April 29 and June 10 without a permit is prohibited.


Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat

Updated 23 December 2025
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Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat

MUSCAT: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi on Monday.

They reviewed bilateral relations between their nations and ways to enhance and develop them across various fields. Additionally, they discussed regional and international developments.

The ministers co-chaired the third meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of the heads of the Council’s subsidiary committees and the two heads of the Council’s General Secretariat teams.

The meeting comes as an affirmation of the keenness of Saudi and Omani leaders to strengthen ties and advance them toward greater prosperity for both nations.

In his remarks during the meeting, Prince Faisal affirmed that gathering builds on the previous council meeting, held last year in AlUla, and on its positive and fruitful outcomes within the framework of the approved recommendations and initiatives. 

He stressed the importance of continuing the work of the council’s subsidiary committees to complete the necessary procedures to implement the remaining initiatives, and of the General Secretariat’s role in follow-up and in addressing any challenges that may hinder implementation.

He also underscored the importance of developing and enhancing trade relations, stimulating investment, and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.

He also praised the ongoing work to establish and launch the Coordination Council’s electronic platform, which aims to connect all committee work and initiatives to facilitate follow-up on the Council’s progress. 

Al-Busaidi affirmed in his remarks the qualitative progress in relations between the two countries and the notable development witnessed across numerous sectors toward achieving economic integration and enhancing intra-trade and joint investments. 

The Omani foreign minister also highlighted deeper cooperation in the security and judicial fields, as well as the cultural and tourism sectors, noting the advanced and continuous political cooperation, consultation, and coordination on regional and international issues.