Mecca | Riyadh police have arrested seven people in connection with an attempt to smuggle Hajj pilgrims into Makkah following a crackdown on entrances to Makkah. They were illegally arranging private vehicles, trying to lure Hajj pilgrims to Mecca and extorting money from them in advance. Riyadh police have also arrested an Egyptian national who was running a Hajj office without a license. Police sources said that legal action has been initiated against the arrested persons and they have been handed over to the Public Prosecution for further action. Those who come to perform Hajj without a permit will be fined 10,000 riyals and deported.
Meanwhile, for Hajj pilgrims from the UK, US and European countries
The Saudi News Agency reports that an emergency package has been implemented to repatriate Hajj applicants to Saudi Arabia following a technical glitch in an electronic portal launched this year. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it was working to ensure alternative flights and extra seats for pilgrims seeking travel to Saudi Arabia from the UK, US and European countries, and had intensified visa procedures to ease entry procedures into the country.
Hajj pilgrims from GCC countries visit the holy land to perform Hajj. The first group of Omani pilgrims has arrived in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The admission process for the pilgrims was completed very quickly. The Ministry of Directorate General of Passports has announced that this year, state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff will be on hand to provide full-time service to pilgrims at the country’s gates as part of the simplification of procedures. In the coming days, pilgrims from other countries will also visit Saudi Arabia.