The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has penalized a number of persons, who were caught while transporting pilgrims without a Hajj permit. As of Dhul Hijjah 4, corresponding to June 22, the seasonal administrative committees of Jawazat at the entry points to Makkah have issued seven administrative decisions with regard to awarding penalties to those who transport Hajj pilgrims without a permit. The penalties included up to six months in prison; maximum fine amounting to SR50,000; publicizing names of the violators in local media at their own expense; deportation of transporters who are expatriates after serving the jail term and payment of fine; and banning reentry into the Kingdom in accordance with the periods of time specified in the law. The administrative decisions also include asking the concerned court to pronounce its ruling with regard to confiscation of the vehicle used for transportation if it is owned by the transporter or his accomplice or shareholder. The seasonal administrative committees work around the clock to carry out instant penalties against violators of Hajj regulations and instructions. These committees are tasked to handle cases of illegal transportation of pilgrims that are transferred from the field control authorities. These violators will be produced before the committee, which in turn will consider the violations, and issue administrative decisions and penalties against the violators. The penalties will be multiplied with the number of violators transported. The Jawazat called on all citizens, residents and visitors to abide by the Hajj rules and regulations issued by the authorities.