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Syrian Pilgrims Arrive by Air in Saudi Arabia for 1st Time since 2012

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Syrian Pilgrims Arrive by Air in Saudi Arabia for 1st Time since 2012

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Jeddah received earlier this week the first flight from Damascus carrying Hajj pilgrims, after a hiatus that lasted more than 12 years since the diplomatic rupture in 2012.
In this regard, Dr. Mohammad Ayman Sousan, the Syrian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, pointed to the determination of the two countries’ leadership to develop and strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, “based on awareness of the importance of unifying the Arab position in the face of challenges facing our nation.”
“The reopening of the two countries’ embassies in Damascus and Riyadh, the appointment of ambassadors, the return of Syrians to perform the Hajj, the resumption of civil air traffic, and the formation of parliamentary brotherhood committees in the Saudi Shura Council and the Syrian People’s Assembly, are all indicators of […] the desire to strengthen [relations]…” the ambassador underlined.
He continued: “These indicators will inevitably constitute a qualitative addition to achieving unity in the Arab stance. The Syrian-Saudi relationship has always been an essential factor in controlling the rhythm of Arab positions regarding developments that affect Arab rights and interests.”
Commenting on Jeddah receiving the first group of Syrian pilgrims since the severing of relations more than 12 years ago, Sousan said: “We are very happy with the arrival of the first planes transporting Syrian pilgrims to King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. This was the result of cooperation between the concerned authorities in the two countries.”
“On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the brothers in the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Royal Saudi Civil Aviation Commission for the efforts they have made in this regard, which enabled Syrian citizens wishing to perform the holy obligation to reach the Kingdom,” he added.
According to the Syrian diplomat, pilgrims were provided with all necessary facilities and services upon their arrival to the airport in Jeddah.
He said he was pleased with the resumption of direct flights from Syria to the Kingdom, saying: “This will not be limited to the Hajj season, but rather regular flights between the two countries will be resumed, making it easier for Syrians residing in the Kingdom and Saudi brothers to visit Syria and travel directly from the Kingdom’s airports to Damascus International Airport…”
Sousan revealed that according to an agreement between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Syrian Ministry of Endowments, the Syrian share of the Hajj season is 17,500 pilgrims for this year, while those were selected according to criteria set by the Syrian Ministry of Endowments.”
He also stressed that the authorities concerned with Hajj in the Kingdom were making tremendous efforts to enable pilgrims to perform the holy duty in the best conditions and to provide them with various services, whether related to health, transportation and housing, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in Syria.

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Penalties Imposed on Hajj Fraudsters

Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
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Penalties Imposed on Hajj Fraudsters

Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih

Several countries, whose citizens died during this year’s Hajj season, have revealed a joint effort with Saudi Arabia to tackle companies issuing unauthorized Hajj visas.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s extensive media campaigns warning against performing Hajj without proper permits and highlighting strict penalties, some pilgrims didn’t abide by the regulations which led to unfortunate outcomes.

Saudi Arabia on Monday commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas. These countries have taken steps to prevent future violations.

Meanwhile, Riyadh is treating both authorized and unauthorized pilgrims for heat exhaustion, with high temperatures causing the deaths of 1,301 pilgrims, most of whom were unauthorized.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan have accused tour companies of deceiving visitors by issuing unauthorized Hajj visas.

Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub said these companies encouraged visitors to break the rules by staying in Makkah two months before the Hajj season.

Jordanian government spokesman Muhannad Mubaideen confirmed that investigations found some citizens were deceived by unscrupulous individuals and certain offices, as reported by the Jordan News Agency (Petra).

On Tuesday, the Jordanian Judicial Council revealed the results of an investigation into unauthorized Hajj trips by Jordanians, which resulted in 99 deaths this year.

The council ordered the closure of companies that facilitated these illegal trips and seized their illegal earnings.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities have revoked the licenses of 16 tour companies for illegally organizing Hajj trips without providing services to pilgrims.

The officials of these companies have been referred to the public prosecutor, and the companies have been fined to compensate the families of deceased pilgrims, according to the Egyptian Cabinet.

Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farouk praised the excellent cooperation between Saudi and Egyptian authorities. He noted the high-level coordination on Hajj matters and other bilateral issues.

On his part, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Minister of Religious Affairs Brahim Chaibi following the deaths of 60 Tunisian pilgrims, as reported by the Tunisian Consulate in Jeddah.

Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas praised Saudi Arabia’s successful organization of this year’s Hajj. He thanked the Saudi leadership for ensuring a smooth Hajj experience and highlighted the efficiency of the “Makkah Route” initiative.

Saudi Arabia emphasized that Hajj permits are not just entry passes but crucial tools for locating and providing timely care and services to pilgrims.

The Saudi Interior Ministry explained that the absence of permits made it challenging to reach some unauthorized pilgrims and obstructed the delivery of necessary services and care.