All carriers operating in the Kingdom must fully respect the ban on taking violators of Hajj regulations to Makkah or the holy sites, the Transport General Authority (TGA) has stressed. The ban covers holders of all types of visit visas and anyone without a Hajj permit or a permit allowing residents to enter the Holy Capital for work or housing, and runs until the end of 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1447 AH.

The directive is part of wider national efforts and applies the Ministry of Interior's announced rules to organize crowd movement and keep pilgrims safe and secure.

Under these rules, anyone transporting visit visa holders of any type to Makkah or the holy sites between 1 Dhu Al-Qi'dah and the end of 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1447 AH faces fines of up to SAR100,000. A court may also order the confiscation of any land vehicle proven to have been used, if it belongs to the carrier, a contributor or an accomplice.

The TGA reminded licensed carriers to meet all regulatory requirements: holding licenses and operation cards for vehicles and drivers, keeping to designated routes, not entering areas covered by Hajj rules without prior authorization, and cooperating fully with security and regulatory authorities at sorting and inspection checkpoints.