UAE announces Dh50,000 fine for pilgrims travelling to Hajj without permit

A fine of Dh50,000 will be imposed on any UAE citizen arriving in Saudi Arabia without a valid Hajj permit approved by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (GAIAZ).

The decision comes as part of the authority's commitment to providing a safe Hajj experience for all UAE pilgrims.

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The authority confirmed that performing Hajj is contingent upon receiving an official permit issued by the authority. This is in line with Cabinet decisions under the Hajj and Umrah System, which governs the procedures for the Hajj season. The system ensures fair and transparent distribution of opportunities among applicants through electronic screening programs.

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UAE pilgrims are urged to strictly adhere to the rules and not jeopardise their time, money, or safety by bypassing official procedures. Those who act outside the authorised framework will bear full responsibility and face the consequences.

The authority explained that this measure is intended to curb the increasing number of unauthorised individuals entering the holy sites and heading to the UAE pilgrims’ headquarters.

Such actions cause overcrowding and disrupt the services planned by the UAE Hajj Affairs Office, impacting the experience and comfort of official pilgrims.

To crackdown on those who attempt to perform Hajj without permits, Saudi Ministry of Interior has also announced stricter penalties against offenders.

Those who will be caught performing the pilgrimage without a permit or attempting to do so will face a fine of up to SAR20,000. The same penalty applies to visit visa holders who attempt to enter Makkah and stay there starting Tuesday, April 29 (Dhul-Qi'dah 1) and until Dhul Hijjah 14 which will fall either on June 10 or 11 according to crescent sighting.

Visa sponsors who fail to report that expatriate workers under their sponsorship have left the country after their entry visas have expired will face a fine of SAR50,000. They may also be sentenced to up to six months in jail and face deportation.