Saudi Arabia issues strict warning over Hajj rule violations

The Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia has issued a firm warning over violations of Hajj regulations, stating that strict enforcement measures will be applied during the upcoming pilgrimage season.

According to the ministry, individuals found breaching Hajj rules may face fines of up to SAR 20,000. In addition to financial penalties, offenders could also be banned from entering Saudi Arabia for up to ten years. Authorities stressed that these measures are aimed at ensuring safety, order, and full compliance during the annual religious gathering.

The announcement comes alongside earlier regulatory updates, including the decision to set the minimum age for Hajj pilgrims at 15 years starting from 2026. Under this rule, no pilgrim below the age of 15 will be allowed to travel for Hajj, and airlines have been instructed to strictly enforce the restriction during boarding procedures.

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In parallel, the Hajj operations for international pilgrims are being expanded. Director General Hajj Jeddah Abdul Wahab Soomro announced the phased establishment of 35 modern clinics across Makkah and Medina to provide healthcare services to approximately 119,000 pilgrims from Pakistan under Saudi Ministry of Health guidelines.

To improve medical response capacity, a new central clinic has also been activated near the Pakistan Hajj Mission office in Azizia. The facility brings multiple services under one roof to address space limitations and improve efficiency.

Officials said that each clinic will be supported by 24/7 ambulance services, with three to four ambulances on standby at all times. Additionally, German hospital technical staff and supervisors have been deployed to ensure treatment meets international healthcare standards.

Authorities emphasized that these upgraded arrangements aim to enhance pilgrim safety, streamline medical support, and ensure better coordination during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.