RIYADH, May 3 (Bernama-SPA) -- Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has urged all transport operators nationwide, particularly in Makkah, not to transport any passengers heading to Makkah or the Holy Sites without a Haj permit or an entry permit for work or residence in the Holy City.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the new rules, which came into effect on Islamic month of Zulqaedah 1446 AH (April 29) are part of measures recently announced by the Interior Ministry to regulate the movement of crowds and maintain the security and safety of pilgrims.
Under the regulations, violators caught transporting visit visa holders to Makkah and the Holy Sites or attempting to do so before the end of Zulhijjah month 1446 AH would face penalties and a fine of up to SAR100,000.
The penalties also include confiscating any land transport used to carry individuals with visit visas to these locations, following a ruling by the relevant court.
The TGA said this applies regardless of whether the vehicle is owned by the carrier, an accomplice, or someone who contributed to the offence. - Bernama-SPA
