Makkah Passport Department officials caught 216 people trying to smuggle pilgrims to the holy sites and imposed a fine of SR10,000 on citizens who transported 12 illegal pilgrims.

Maj. Gen. Ayed Alqamani, Passport Department director, said that the authorities are joining forces to curb the phenomenon of unauthorized Haj. Many violators and residents try to perform Haj without authorization in spite of rigorous regulations that have been implemented.

Alqamani said that the campaign, entitled “Haj worship and civilized conduct,” will not be abandoned. The campaign was launched by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

Foreigners found violating rules will be deported and prevented from entering the Kingdom for 10 years. Business or vehicle owners will be held in custody pending investigation and subject to penal measures.

People organizing unauthorized Haj campaigns will be referred to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution for prosecution.