Saudi authorities tighten checks to curb illegal pilgrims in Makkah
MAKKAH: Getting stuck for between half an hour and over an hour at the checkpoint each time we try to enter the Holy Land has become a daily routine during our stay in the Sacred City.
This is because every passenger, whether travelling by car or bus, is thoroughly inspected one by one by Haj and Umrah policemen.
Media personnel from several countries who are here on the invitation of the Saudi Arabian Media Ministry are not exempt.
"Tasreeh… tasreeh, bisur'ah… kullukum (Permit… permit, quickly… all of you)," is among the phrases frequently heard each time a police officer steps onto our bus, asking everyone to be ready with their permit for inspection.
Imagine—even media personnel, accompanied by an officer from the Media Ministry, are not given easy passage into the Holy Land, let alone ordinary people travelling alone.
Usually, two policemen board our bus carrying around 20 media representatives before asking each person to show their visa for inspection.
Based on observation, the officers on duty record the visa number and cross-check the data with the holder's passport, while also referencing the Haj and Umrah Ministry's headquarters database directly on site.
During inspections, several vehicles have been seen directed to the roadside for further checks if any data discrepancies arise.
The Saudi Arabian Haj and Umrah Ministry is taking the issue of 'illegal' pilgrims seriously to ensure an orderly and safe pilgrimage.
The Saudi government has reportedly taken strict action against pilgrims found in Makkah without a haj visa, with offenders facing fines ranging from RM22,000 to RM113,000.
They may also be deported and blacklisted from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
These firm measures also address health risks that could arise if pilgrims perform haj without proper arrangements, especially during the peak days of rituals—including standing at Arafah, staying overnight at Muzdalifah, and the stoning ritual at Mina—when temperatures can reach 40 to 45 degrees Celsius.
Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar advised Malaysian citizens without official authorisation from Saudi authorities not to risk performing the pilgrimage.
In addition to legal consequences, he highlighted serious health concerns for those undertaking haj through unofficial means.
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