Dhaka: The Religious Affairs Ministry has called on Bangladeshi nationals to strictly adhere to the Hajj regulations recently adopted by Saudi Arabia. This appeal comes in response to the Saudi government’s measures aimed at controlling overcrowding and enhancing the safety of pilgrims during the Hajj.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ministry issued an advisory today emphasizing the importance of securing an official permit before performing Hajj. The advisory warns against undertaking the pilgrimage without the necessary authorization, as Saudi Arabia has implemented stringent penalties for residents and visitors who attempt to perform Hajj without a permit. The new regulations, set ahead of Hajj 1447 AH, are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to regulate the influx of pilgrims.
The Saudi directives specify that violations by foreign residents could result in deportation and a ban on re-entering the Kingdom for up to a decade. The Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia has announced that individuals caught performing or attempting Hajj without a valid permit could incur fines reaching up to Saudi Riyal (SAR) 20,000. Furthermore, those found to be transporting, housing, or assisting illegal pilgrims could face penalties as high as SAR 100,000.
The severity of these penalties may increase based on the number of people involved, affecting travel agencies, accommodation providers, vehicle owners, and individuals offering shelter to violators. Vehicles used in such activities face the risk of confiscation following legal proceedings. Under the revised rules, only those with officially approved Hajj permits will be allowed to enter Makkah and other designated holy sites.
The restrictions will be enforced from the first day of Dhu Al Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah. During this time, individuals with visit visas are forbidden from entering or staying in Makkah unless they have valid Hajj authorization. The Saudi ministry has urged citizens, residents, and all visa holders to comply strictly with these regulations.
Additionally, the public is encouraged to report any violations through designated emergency numbers, including 911 in major regions and 999 elsewhere. Enforcement efforts are already active, with authorities recently apprehending an individual in Makkah for allegedly promoting fake Hajj permits on social media.