RIYADH: The Saudi Interior Ministry on Sunday said a fine of 10,000 riyals ($2,666) will be imposed on anyone trying to access the Grand Mosque or holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Mt Arafat without a Hajj permit starting on Monday.
The penalty will be doubled if the offence is repeated during Hajj season this year.
Security personnel will patrol all roads, security checkposts and corridors leading to the central area around the Grand Mosque to prevent any attempts that breach these regulations.
This year, Hajj is expected to begin on July 17 and will host 60,000 pilgrims from within the kingdom in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Dr Abdul Fattah Mashat, Saudi deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, said this year’s Hajj would provide an exceptional health environment for pilgrims.
The ministries of Hajj and Umrah, Human Resources and Social Development, signed an agreement to enhance the skills of workers for the Hajj season this year.
