Saudi Arabia imposes steep fines on hosts of unauthorized Hajj visitors as Pakistani pilgrim numbers near quota

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior announced that individuals or businesses providing shelter to unauthorized Hajj visitors in Makkah and nearby holy sites during the 1447 pilgrimage season will face fines of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals (about $26,600). The penalty applies to hotels, apartments, private homes, pilgrim housing facilities and any accommodation that helps visa holders without official Hajj permits remain in the holy area, with the amount potentially increasing for multiple violators.

At the same time, Pakistan's Hajj delegation in Saudi Arabia has risen to 90,976 pilgrims, representing 77% of the country’s allocated quota, after an additional 6,224 arrived via the "Route to Makkah" initiative and standard flights.