Fines of 100,000 and suspension for violating Hajj transport companies
The General Transport Center in Makkah and the Holy Sites has begun implementing a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework aimed at restructuring the Hajj transportation sector to ensure the highest levels of service for pilgrims. This crucial step aims to enhance operational efficiency and guarantee pilgrim safety by imposing strict technical and operational requirements, supported by deterrent penalties for those who violate the regulations.
The context of development and keeping pace with Vision 2030
These regulatory measures come within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to develop the Hajj and Umrah system, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Guests of God Service Program. The transportation sector is crucial to the success of Hajj seasons, given the millions of pilgrims who travel within specific times and geographical areas. These regulations aim to eliminate operational disorganization and ensure that all buses and other means of transportation used meet the highest international safety standards, reflecting the Kingdom's modern image and its exceptional crowd management capabilities.
Licensing requirements and timelines
According to the new regulations, all establishments wishing to engage in pilgrim transportation are required to obtain prior authorization from the center, with a complete ban on operating within the geographical boundaries of the holy sites without this official document. The regulations have established a precise timeframe to ensure early readiness, with applications for participation being accepted starting from the first of Jumada al-Thani annually and continuing for sixty days.
Service providers must also complete all necessary data and documents and submit them electronically to the center no later than the fifteenth of Shawwal, with the possibility of extension until the end of the month if absolutely necessary, in order to ensure that preparations are completed before the arrival of pilgrims.
Service continuity guarantees and technical specifications
In a move to safeguard pilgrims' rights and prevent overcrowding, the regulations mandate that carriers provide an alternative means of transportation immediately upon bus breakdown, within one hour within city limits and two hours outside of them. If the company fails to provide a replacement within the specified timeframe, the relevant authority will intervene to secure a suitable means of transport, with the service provider bearing all associated costs.
The regulations emphasized the necessity of adhering to the approved technical specifications for buses, as meeting safety and technical roadworthiness standards is a fundamental requirement for fleet participation. The regulations also addressed the human element, mandating the provision of a sufficient number of qualified drivers and technicians to ensure safe operation and maintenance of the buses throughout the season.
Sanctions list and its expected impact
To ensure full compliance, the regulations stipulate graduated financial penalties ranging from 150 riyals to 100,000 riyals, imposed according to the severity of the violation. In cases of serious violations, penalties can include barring the establishment from participating for one or even three seasons, and may ultimately result in the permanent revocation of its operating license.
This legislative package is expected to contribute to reducing traffic accidents and breakdowns that could disrupt crowd management plans, thus positively impacting the pilgrims' spiritual experience and facilitating their movement between holy sites with ease. The regulations guarantee service providers the right to appeal to a specialized committee within sixty days of being notified of the penalty, with the possibility of resorting to the Administrative Court if the appeals committee's decision is not accepted.
