Saudi authorities detain 13 individuals, including Bangladeshis, over hajj rule violations

Saudi security authorities have detained 13 individuals, including Bangladeshi and Indian expatriates, along with a Saudi citizen, over alleged violations of Hajj regulations ahead of this year’s pilgrimage season.

According to Saudi Hajj security officials, the arrests were made during three separate operations targeting unauthorized entry attempts and fraudulent Hajj-related activities in and around Makkah.

In the first operation, five Turkish nationals were arrested while allegedly attempting to enter Makkah illegally through remote mountainous routes and valleys. Authorities said none of them possessed valid Hajj permits, and legal action was taken against them immediately.

In a second operation, security patrol teams in Makkah detained four expatriates from Bangladesh and India over allegations of spreading fake Hajj advertisements on social media as part of a fraud scheme. During the raid, officials reportedly recovered forged identification cards, fake documents, and equipment used in the alleged scam. The suspects were later handed over to public prosecutors for further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, in a third operation, Saudi authorities arrested a Saudi citizen accused of attempting to transport three Afghan nationals illegally into Makkah.

Officials confirmed that the Afghan nationals also lacked valid authorization to perform Hajj.

Saudi authorities have intensified security measures and monitoring operations ahead of the annual pilgrimage, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone violating Hajj laws, engaging in fraud, or attempting unauthorised entry into the holy city.