Saudi Arabia has announced that its security forces have deported over 300,000 unregistered individuals from Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj pilgrimage rituals.
Among those deported from Mecca in the past days were 153,998 foreigners who arrived with tourist visas instead of Hajj visas, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated that the General Security apprehended (140) fake Hajj campaigns and (64) violators of Hajj regulations and instructions, and repatriated (97,664) vehicles in violation, as well as deporting (171,587) residents who were not residing in Mecca, and (4,032) violators of Hajj regulations (unauthorized Hajj), and (6,105) violators of residency, work, and border security regulations, while holders of visit visas reached (153,998).
Crowd management remains a significant concern during the annual Hajj pilgrimage season, one of the five pillars of Islam performed by over 1.8 million Muslims last year according to official figures.
Many seek to perform the Hajj through unofficial channels as obtaining official permits and accommodation packages can be expensive, with limited quotas allocated for pilgrims from each country.
Since last Saturday, over 1.3 million registered individuals have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah pointed out the launch of an international awareness campaign about the dangers of violating Hajj regulations and instructions, fake campaigns, and electronic fraud practices in more than 20 countries around the world, in addition to launching the national campaign (No Hajj without a permit) led by partners in the Ministry of Interior and the Emirate of the Mecca Region for awareness and then implementation of the organized Hajj regulations and instructions, enabling those performing the Hajj through proper channels to complete the rituals comfortably and organized.
The ministry affirmed that the “Makkah Route” initiative continues for the sixth year, benefiting more than 250,000 pilgrims this year. It is one of the initiatives of the Guests of the Rahman service program and is implemented by the Ministry of Interior in 7 countries through 11 airports.
