Makkah: The Ministry of Interior stressed that a fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who shelters holders of visit visas of all types in any accommodation facility, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, pilgrim housing sites, and others.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the penalty also applies to anyone who covers for such violators or provides any assistance that leads to their remaining in Makkah and the holy sites, starting today, the first day of Dhu Al-Qi'dah, until the end of the 14th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah. The ministry noted that fines will be multiplied according to the number of violators who are sheltered, covered for, or assisted.
The ministry urged everyone to comply with instructions regulating the 1447 AH Hajj season and to cooperate with competent authorities to ensure the security and safety of pilgrims. It stressed that violating these instructions exposes offenders to penalties prescribed by law.
The ministry also called for promptly reporting violators by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 in the Kingdom's other regions.