Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Senior Officials, Leaders of Military Sectors

SPA
SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Senior Officials, Leaders of Military Sectors

SPA
SPA

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, welcomed a number of Princes, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, senior scholars and sheikhs, GCC senior officials, ministers, and the leaders of the military sectors and scouts participating in this year's Hajj at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.

The Crown Prince delivered a speech, congratulating the citizens, residents, and pilgrims, on the blessed Eid Al-Adha occasion.

"Your blessed efforts, along with those of other state agencies, to serve the pilgrims, ensure their comfort, and maintain their security, are a source of pride for us. We will continue to exert efforts and harness our capabilities to facilitate the performance of Hajj at all times. The great sacrifices, acts of honor, and heroism that you make to preserve the security of your country and its holy shrines reflect the approach followed by the people of this country since its founding. Our people will not hesitate to protect its security, maintain its stability, and preserve its capabilities. We pray to Allah to protect our country and bless it with security and peace," said the Crown Prince.

For his part, Lieutenant General Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, the Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, delivered a speech on behalf of the military sectors participating in the Hajj.

He said: "Allah has honored this country and singled it out to serve the pilgrims, and blessed it with the honor of serving the Pilgrims and guests of the Grand Mosque. Your children who participate in the implementation of Hajj security plans feel proud and honored to perform this task."

He emphasized that the success achieved by the Hajj security plans for this year, from the arrival of the first group of pilgrims in the Kingdom until now, was in accordance with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince.

"It was also under the direct supervision of the Minister of Interior, Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, and with the oversight of the Governor of the Makkah Region, Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, and the Governor of the Madinah Region, Chairperson of the Hajj and Visit Committee. These efforts have contributed to enhancing the security and organizational plans, aiming to prevent any attempt to disrupt the security of Hajj and ensure security, safety, and comfort for the pilgrims," he added. SPA reported.



Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced Monday fines on individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform the Hajj, as well as for those who facilitate such violations.

Starting from April 29 until the end of June 10, the following fines will apply:

First, a fine of up to SAR20,000 will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit, and on holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

Second, a fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period. The fine will multiply for each individual involved.

The same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites. This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

Third, illegal infiltrators attempting to perform the Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

Fourth, the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.