Hajj security forces at the entrances to Makkah arrested 12 people, three expatriates and nine citizens, for breaking Hajj regulations by transporting 43 individuals who had no permits to perform Hajj, the Ministry of Interior announced.

Seasonal administrative committees issued administrative decisions against them. Penalties include fines of up to SAR100,000 for the transporters and anyone involved, imprisonment and public naming of offenders.

Those who were being transported face fines of up to SAR20,000 for trying to perform Hajj without a permit.

Expatriates are to be deported after serving their sentences and barred from entering the Kingdom for 10 years, and the authorities will seek a court order to confiscate the vehicles used.

The ministry called on citizens and expatriates to respect and follow Hajj regulations and instructions.