Anyone caught performing or trying to perform Hajj without a permit faces a fine of up to SAR20,000, the Ministry of Interior has confirmed.

Residents and those who have overstayed their visas who try to perform Hajj illegally will also be deported to their home countries and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years. The penalties apply from the first day of Dhu Al-Qi'dah until the end of the 14th of Dhu Al-Hijjah.

The ministry urged everyone to respect the rules for this year's Hajj and to cooperate with the authorities to keep pilgrims safe, warning that violators will face legal penalties.

It asked the public to report violations on 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, and on 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.