Saudi Interior Minister, Madinah Governor Congratulate Saudi Leadership on Successful Hajj Season

Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
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Saudi Interior Minister, Madinah Governor Congratulate Saudi Leadership on Successful Hajj Season

Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif congratulated the Saudi leadership on the successful completion of this year's Hajj season without any issues that could have disrupted or compromised the security and safety of the pilgrims.

The Minister sent cables to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, extending his congratulations on the occasion of the Eid al-Adha and the end of a successful Hajj season.

He attributed the success of this year's Hajj season to the grace of God, followed by the Saudi leadership's direct supervision and wise guidance after the directive to return the number of pilgrims to the pre-COVID-19 status.

PrinceAbdulaziz explained that all the parties participating in the Hajj mission were able to implement all security, preventive, organizational, health, and preventative measures to accommodate the 1,845,045 pilgrims and provide services to them with the highest quality standards, which enabled them to perform their rituals with ease.

The Minister commended the integrated work among all military and security sectors in cooperation with public and private employees that contributed significantly to the success of the Hajj security plan this year, saying they performed their assigned tasks with the utmost professionalism.

The Hajj season did not witness anything that affected the safety and security of the pilgrims, and no epidemiological or quarantine cases were recorded, said the Minister.

Furthermore, Madinah Governor Prince Faisal bin Salman congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince on the occasion of the success of the Hajj season.

Prince Faisal said the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to harness all capabilities and provide the latest technologies ensured a successful Hajj season, enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals in security and tranquility through an integrated system of services.

 

 



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.