Interior Ministry Penalizes 49 People For Transporting 197 Unauthorized Pilgrims
The Ministry of Interior has penalized as many as 49 people for violation of Hajj rules and regulations.
The ministry said that the Hajj Security Forces have arrested 18 expatriates and 31 Saudi citizens at the entry points to Makkah while transporting 197 individuals who did not hold permits to perform Hajj.
The ministry issued administrative rulings through the seasonal administrative committees against the transporters, accomplices, and unauthorized pilgrims. Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000, publicizing names of the violators in the local media at their own expense, deportation of expatriates with a 10-year re-entry ban after serving of the sentence, and legal proceedings for the confiscation of vehicles used in the violations. Unauthorized pilgrims face fines of up to SR20,000.
In a related incident, Hajj Security Forces arrested 58 individuals for violating Hajj regulations by attempting to enter the city of Makkah without the required permits to perform the pilgrimage. They were referred to the competent authorities to slap the prescribed penalties.
The ministry urged all citizens and residents to strictly adhere to Hajj regulations in order to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during the performance of their rituals.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Major Achievements: UAE Ministry Of Interior Reports Seizure Of Over 12 Tonnes Of Drugs
The UAE Ministry of Interior has reported significant accomplishments in the country's anti-narcotics efforts for 2024, highlighting robust measures taken to combat drug-related crimes and safeguard public health and safety. Amal Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Head of Statistics and Studies at the Federal General Directorate for Drug Control at the Ministry of Interior, stated that 2024 witnessed intensified nationwide operations yielding tangible results. 'A total of 9,774 reports related to drug crimes were recorded, involving 13,513 suspects,' she revealed. 'In total, 12,340 kilograms of narcotic substances and psychotropic drugs were seized throughout the year.' Al Zeyoudi also emphasized the UAE's strong commitment to international cooperation in the fight against drugs, noting that joint operations with more than 24 countries led to the seizure of an additional 3,383 kilograms of narcotics outside the UAE. In November 2024, the UAE adopted the National Anti-Narcotics Strategy 2024–2031, which envisions a drug-free nation by 2031. The strategy sets ambitious national targets, including reducing drug-related mortality rates per million people and lowering the prevalence of drug abuse per 100,000 residents. A report issued by the Ministry's Federal Drug Control Directorate noted that the Ministry's integrated efforts have helped curb both supply and demand. A key initiative was launched to assess the spread of narcotics across the country, benchmarking global best practices. Furthermore, a digital platform was developed in collaboration with the healthcare sector to monitor the dispensation of controlled medications and limit their misuse. The Ministry underscored its firm commitment to drug control, providing law enforcement agencies with extensive human, technical, and material resources. Coordination with national, regional, and international entities has been a cornerstone of the strategy. The cornerstone of the UAE's legal framework in this domain is Federal Decree Law No. (30) of 2021 on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, as amended by Federal Decree Law No. (53) of 2022. This legislation adopts a comprehensive approach that balances stringent penalties with pathways for rehabilitation. While the law imposes hefty fines and prison terms depending on the nature and frequency of offenses, it also allows courts to refer individuals to rehabilitation centers instead of incarceration, with close follow-up on treatment progress. The law also calls for active international cooperation to combat drug trafficking and prosecute those involved. In a testament to the UAE's proactive role on the global stage, the Ministry of Interior was elected in April 2025 to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) for the term 2026–2029, representing the Asia-Pacific Group. The CND is a central policymaking body within the UN system responsible for overseeing international drug control treaties and guiding global drug policies. The election took place during a vote at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi-Syrian Cooperation Foils Attempt To Smuggle Over 200,000 Amphetamine Tablets
Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, security spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, stated that proactive security efforts to monitor criminal networks involved in drug trafficking have led to the foiling of an attempt to smuggle more than 200,000 amphetamine tablets from Syria to Saudi Arabia. The operation was carried out by the Syrian Ministry of Interior, based on intelligence provided by the Saudi Ministry of Interior. Al-Shalhoub praised the strong collaboration with Syrian authorities in tracking and seizing the narcotics, highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating such illicit activities. He affirmed that the Kingdom remains committed to monitoring and combating criminal activities that target the Kingdom, its youth, and the global community with drugs, and will continue to take firm action to foil such attempts and apprehend those involved in such crimes.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
‘Seek voluntary treatment'
Drug users in Bahrain can avoid prosecution by voluntarily seeking treatment, but face legal action if caught with narcotics in their system, a Bahraini lawyer has said. Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Jassim Al Issa explained that the law allows addicts or their relatives, up to the fourth degree, to request admission into a rehabilitation centre. In such cases, no criminal case is filed and the addict is treated without being sent to court. Charges 'If the person is caught using, or if traces are found in their blood, then the Public Prosecution brings charges,' he told The Daily Tribune. Al Issa referred to Law No. 15 of 2007, which sets out clear differences between users, promoters and traffickers. Penalties rise sharply depending on the individual's role. Someone found in possession of banned substances for personal use may face a fine of up to BD3,000 or jail time, under Article 32. Article 35 sets a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment and a BD100 fine for certain acts committed without authorisation. Sterner treatment By contrast, traffickers face much sterner treatment. Offences under Article 30 carry penalties of life imprisonment or death, along with a fine ranging from BD5,000 to BD50,000. These penalties apply to those who import, produce, sell or fund narcotics or restricted plants, whether directly or through others. The law lists types of substances in detailed schedules covering both chemical and botanical forms. Tougher sentencing applies in cases involving repeat offenders, public servants tasked with drug enforcement, the use of minors, involvement in cross-border trafficking, or misuse of legal protection or position. Accidental violations 'The law also addresses banned prescriptions and restricted ingredients in certain medicines,' said Al Issa. 'This helps define what is prohibited and makes it easier to avoid accidental violations.' He urged addicts and their families to make use of the law's provision for voluntary treatment. 'A request can be submitted by the user or by a spouse or close relative. It prevents a criminal record and gives the person a chance to move on,' he said. 'This is far better than court-ordered rehabilitation, which still leads to a case being registered. Even if time spent in the facility is deducted from the sentence, the charge remains.'
