Al-Shumaisi Checkpoint Implements Umrah Ban Decision amid Virus Concerns

Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medinah, Saudi Arabia
Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medinah, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Shumaisi Checkpoint Implements Umrah Ban Decision amid Virus Concerns

Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medinah, Saudi Arabia
Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medinah, Saudi Arabia

Saudi inspection monitors at the Al-Shumaisi government office, one of the largest checkpoints en route to Makkah, have upped precautionary measures, vetting all vehicles inbound from Jeddah and Medinah.

Security men and supportive personnel were deployed on all routes leading to Al-Shumaisi’s entrance gate. Cadres from the Ministry of Health were also present to screen visitors, especially those coming from outside Saudi Arabia, for the new Coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, a number of foreign Umrah goers were sent back to Jeddah despite them having arrived in Saudi Arabia prior to the issuance of orders regarding the precautionary measures.

Traffic remained smooth as a result of the efficiency of screeners and inspectors who preformed their jobs.

Al Masjid an Nabawi in Medinah is witnessing calm after the implementation of restrictions taken to prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus. These measures included suspending visitation.

Al Masjid an Nabawi official Jomaan al-Asiri told Asharq Al-Awsat that many measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of visitors. Large crowds are now banned from forming and the distance between visitor ranks has been expanded.

The new rules also include the closure of the mosque between the evening Isha prayers and Fajr prayers, and a ban on food entering the complex.



Saudi Interior Ministry Arrests 17 for Transporting Individuals Without Hajj Permits

Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, at al-Masjid al-Haram, during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 05 June 2025. (EPA)
Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, at al-Masjid al-Haram, during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 05 June 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Arrests 17 for Transporting Individuals Without Hajj Permits

Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, at al-Masjid al-Haram, during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 05 June 2025. (EPA)
Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, at al-Masjid al-Haram, during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 05 June 2025. (EPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior's Hajj Security Forces apprehended 17 individuals - three expatriates and 14 citizens - for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 109 individuals without valid Hajj permits at Makkah entry points .
Administrative rulings were issued by the seasonal administrative committees against both transporters and those transported, said the Saudi Press Agency.

Penalties imposed included imprisonment, fines of up to SAR 100,000, public naming of violators, deportation of expatriate offenders with a 10-year re-entry ban, and legal proceedings for the confiscation of vehicles used in the violations. Individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit face a fine of up to SAR 20,000.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims performing their rites.