International News: Saudi government is strict on those performing Hajj without permit, heavy fine and jail sentence

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has tightened laws against those trying to perform Hajj without a permit. Authorities have announced that a fine of 50 thousand riyals (about 11 lakh Indian rupees) will be imposed on people performing Hajj without a permit. Along with this, violating the rules can also lead to six months in jail. Officials have said that the fine will be applicable to both residents and visitors. After completion of the sentence, those who do so will also be expelled from the country for 10 years. Such people will be banned from re-entering the country for 10 years. This step has been taken by the Saudi government as a major effort to streamline the system before this year’s Hajj. The Ministry of Haj and Umrah stressed that performing Haj without obtaining the necessary permits is illegal and no one should attempt such a thing. Hajj is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world. This year, about 19 lakh people from all over the world are expected to reach Saudi for Hajj. The number of people coming for Haj had decreased significantly during the Corona epidemic, but now the number of people coming has increased again.