The suspects — three non-Saudis and five from the Kingdom — were
stopped for breaching Hajj rules and regulations after transporting violators who had failed to obtain permits required to perform Hajj.
The General Directorate of Passports’ seasonal administrative committees issued administrative decisions against the offenders, who will each serve 15 days in prison and pay a fine of SR10,000 ($2,666) for each violator transported.
The offenders will also be named and shamed and the non-Saudis will be deported after serving their prison terms.
Authorities have also impounded three vehicles which were used to transport the violators.
The ministry has called on all citizens and expatriates to abide by Hajj rules, regulations and instructions so that all pilgrims enjoy a safe, secure and comfortable time performing Hajj rituals.
The authority said more than 3,500 buses will transport pilgrims to and from the Grand Mosque via 16 routes with 11 stops and stations.
The authority also allocated 355 buses for transportation throughout Makkah and 27 buses in Madinah.
Passengers were requested to abide by rules designed to maintain a pleasant travel environment, including not smoking or eating in undesignated areas, nor engaging in loud phone conversations during transport, which may be disruptive to others.
The authority will also compensate passengers when a bus is delayed for more than an hour on rides that are more than three hours long.
When that happens, passengers will be offered free meals and refreshments, in addition to receiving information about how to make complaints and inquiries.
