Riyadh: The public are reminded to comply with all regulations set by the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of Saudi Arabia to perform the Haj through the right channels in order to protect the good name of Brunei Darussalam. Referring to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Saudi Arabia, anyone found to have violated the Haj regulations, especially performing the Haj without a valid permit, will be subject to punishment.
According to Radio Television Brunei, a fine of up to 20 thousand riyals is imposed for anyone who commits violations such as performing or attempting to perform the Haj without a valid permit; holders of tourist visas or any type of visa other than Haj visas who enter or attempt to enter Makkah and Mashaer or who reside in these areas, starting from the 1st of Zulkaedah to the 14th of Zulhijjah.
Fines of up to one hundred thousand riyals will be imposed for anyone found to have committed violations such as, anyone who applies for the issuance of a visa of any kind other than a Haj visa for individuals performing or attempting to perform Haj without a valid permit, or entering or attempting to enter Makkah and Mashaer or residing in those areas, starting from 1st of Zulkaedah to 14th of Zulhijjah.
Anyone who brings or attempts to bring tourist visa holders into Makkah and Mashaer during the said period; anyone who shelters tourist visa holders in shelters such as hotels, apartments and any place of residence, or hides them or provides assistance that may cause them to remain in Makkah and Mashaer during that period.
Any permanent residents or foreigners found trespassing to perform the Haj without a valid permit will be deported to their respective countries of origin and their names will be blacklisted from entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 10 years. The authorities will apply to the court to seize any land vehicle found to be used to transport holders of tourist visas or any type of visa other than Haj visas to Makkah and Mashaer during the period from 1st of Zulkaedah to 14th of Zulhijjah, regardless of whether the vehicle is owned by the driver, partner, or any individual who is abetting in violating the regulation. It is emphasised that performing the Haj without a valid permit is not permitted, in order to safeguard the public interest and avoid any harm to the Hajj pilgrims as a whole. The General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars, Saudi Arabia also called on pilgrims to comply with all the rules and instructions that have been set, to enable Muslims to perform Hajj in peace, ease and tranquilli ty.