The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has been cracking down on tourist companies from several friendly countries who have been deceiving visit visa holders by issuing visas not intended for Hajj and encouraging them to violate regulations by staying in Makkah two months before the Hajj season. In an interview with Al-Arabiya Television, Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, the security spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, stated that some individuals have been abusing visit visas and other visas that are not intended for Hajj. The ministry has therefore taken proactive measures to intensify media and awareness campaigns against performing Hajj without permits, as well as to enforce stringent penalties on violators. A Hajj permit is a crucial tool that facilitates access to pilgrims and identifies their locations to provide necessary care and services promptly.
Col. Al-Shalhoub confirmed the success of the security plans for the 2024 Hajj season, attributing it to the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous supervision of Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif. The security measures put in place were a result of coordinated efforts between various security, military, and government agencies to ensure that pilgrims could perform their rituals safely, peacefully, and comfortably. He also reported that 83 percent of the total mortalities during the Hajj season were those without a Hajj permit, accounting for 1,079 out of 1,301 deaths. Col. Al-Shalhoub offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasized the challenges faced in offering services and healthcare to violators without a Hajj permit.
In response to the issue of fake Hajj campaigns, Col. Al-Shalhoub noted that continuous updates have been made through the Public Security’s official social media accounts about apprehending those who promote such campaigns and referring them to the Public Prosecution. He acknowledged the strict measures taken by some friendly countries against these deceptive companies and the corrective actions they have implemented to prevent future violations. Col. Al-Shalhoub emphasized the importance of having a valid Hajj permit to ensure access to necessary care and services during the pilgrimage, highlighting the dangers of performing Hajj without the required permits.
The success of the security measures during the 2024 Hajj season is a testament to the effective coordination between various security, military, and government agencies. The careful planning and implementation of security plans in advance helped in ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims during their rituals. Col. Al-Shalhoub praised the efforts of all agencies involved in the security measures and reiterated the importance of adhering to regulations and having a valid Hajj permit to avoid any risks or challenges during the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Interior continues to monitor and crack down on deceptive practices by tourist companies and individuals abusing visit visas for purposes not intended for Hajj.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia is taking proactive measures to address the issue of visit visa holders being deceived into violating regulations by participating in Hajj without the required permits. Through media and awareness campaigns, as well as stringent penalties on violators, the ministry aims to prevent such fraudulent practices and ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims during the pilgrimage. The success of the security measures during the 2024 Hajj season is a result of coordinated efforts between various agencies and the close supervision of the Minister of Interior. It is essential for all pilgrims to have a valid Hajj permit to access necessary care and services, as performing Hajj without the required permits poses risks and challenges for both the pilgrims and the authorities. The Ministry of Interior continues to monitor and crack down on deceptive practices to uphold the sanctity and safety of the Hajj pilgrimage.
