WATCH: Dh100,000 fine, jail for Haj pilgrims without permit

Expatriates trying to enter Makkah without a Haj permit face deportation and a 10-year ban from returning to the Kingdom.

1.5 million pilgrims are expected to perform haj this year, according to the Saudi government. 
Last week, it was reported that the Saudi government issued a warning that people without haj permits would not be allowed to enter Makkah.
The Saudi ministry has also prepared 18,000 buses to transport about 1.5 million foreign pilgrims. The fleet also includes 1,696 brand new cars.
A senior official said that patrols have been deployed to prevent traffic and other violations at Makkah's entry points. The aim is to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals safely, Al Arabiya reported.
According to the report, citizens or expatriates caught transporting people illegally for Haj will be arrested and their vehicles seized. Times of Oman reports that they will also face a strict fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals. 
Expatriates trying to enter Makkah without a Haj permit face deportation and a 10-year ban from returning to the Kingdom. Those pilgrims who over stay their visit visas will also be fined 15,000 Saudi Riyals.
Stoning ritual shortened
In the wake of last year's Haj stampede tragedy that killed hundreds of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia authorities have cut short the stoning ritual period by 12 hours.
Dubai Haj mission to reach Saudi Arabia on September 4
The official Haj mission of the Dubai government is to fly to the holy lands in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, September 4, according to a senior official. The official Haj mission of the Dubai government is to include 65 pilgrims, who are all staff employees at different levels, from all departments of the local government.
 

• Saudi Arabia