Saudi Arabia to fine pilgrims 'sneaking' into Covid-restricted Hajj this year

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior has said that it will fine anyone attempting to sneak into Mecca during this year’s Hajj season amid tight Covid-19 restrictions.

People caught trying to reach the Grand Mosque and the holy sites in Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat without a Hajj permit will be fined up to 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666), according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

It added that security personnel will be deployed along all roads and corridors leading to Mecca's Grand Mosque and other holy sites to thwart any attempted violations.

Saudi Arabia announced earlier this year that the annual pilgrimage – which starts on 17 July - will be restricted to 60,000 citizens and residents within the country.

The decision came in light of continuing developments regarding the coronavirus pandemic and the emergence of new mutations which are spreading rapidly.

According to the ministry’s guidelines, pilgrims must not suffer from any chronic diseases, must be between 18 and 65 years old, and have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Saudi authorities have also reportedly barred Hajj workers from performing the upcoming pilgrimage, according to sources cited by Saudi news website Sabq last week.

Sabq said agencies involved in this year's Hajj season have been asked to enforce the ban on their staff from making the pilgrimage.

The kingdom has recruited some 5,000 workers to sterilise the Grand Mosque of Mecca – Islam’s holiest site - ten times per day.