Islamabad, 30 Apr, 2025: Saudi Arabia has warned Pakistani citizens that strict action will be taken against anyone trying to perform Hajj this year without a valid permit.
The warning comes as Pakistan begins its official Hajj flight operations, with thousands of pilgrims heading to Mecca.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry, anyone caught without a Hajj permit will be fined up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals.
This rule will apply from now until June 10, 2025. The warning also includes people visiting Saudi Arabia on tourist or visit visas who try to join the pilgrimage.
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The Saudi authorities have also said that those who help illegal pilgrims will be punished.
If someone helps another person stay in Mecca without permission—by offering a place to stay or hiding them—they could be fined up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals.
The fine can be even higher if more people are involved.
This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to organize Hajj and address issues caused by people entering Mecca without permits in recent years.
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The Saudi government revealed that over 4,700 illegal Pakistani beggars were deported in the last three years, many attempting Hajj without proper documents.
This year, about 89,000 Pakistanis will go for Hajj under the government scheme. Another 23,620 will go through private tour operators.
Around 50,500 of them will benefit from the Makkah Route Initiative, which helps pilgrims with faster visa processing and travel.
Karachi and Islamabad will serve as key departure points, as Saudi Arabia aims to ensure a smoother and more peaceful Hajj through new rules.
