Makkah, April 16 -- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior (MoI) has announced stringent penalties for individuals attempting to perform Haj without a permit, as well as for those facilitating such violations, ahead of the 1447 AH/2026 pilgrimage season.

In a statement on X, the ministry said the measures aim to ensure the safety of pilgrims and enable them to perform rituals in a secure, orderly and peaceful environment, reinforcing regulations that make Haj permits mandatory.

The measures will apply from April 18 until mid-June, covering the peak Haj period, and target both unauthorised pilgrims and those who facilitate their entry or stay in Makkah and the holy sites.

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