Saudis Crack Down On Violating Warehouses Ahead Of Hajj
Saudi authorities have shut down 95 unlicensed warehouses of equipment used for serving pilgrims during the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage due this year in June.
The violating warehouses were detected during an inspection campaign launched by municipal authorities in the city of Mecca, home to Islam's holiest mosque.
The campaign aims to ascertain the compliance of these facilities, providing tents and air conditioning units during the Hajj season, with regulations, a local official has said.
'We have launched a correctional campaign to monitor the warehouses and check their compliance with the health requirements,' spokesman for the Mecca Municipality, Osama Zaytouni, told Saudi television Al Ekhbariya.
The campaign, targeting warehouses in Mecca and affiliated governorates, also aims to set up a database on them, he added.
Violations detected in the shut warehouses included failure to have efficient safety systems, poor storage and decline in cleaning standards, Al Ekhbariya reported.
Saudi Arabia is maximising preparations for the upcoming Hajj season amid iron-clad measures against violators.
Earlier this week, authorities started issuing online permits for residents who will be engaged in the Hajj-related works in and around Mecca.
The Saudi General Directorate of Passports said it is receiving applications from such workers to obtain entry permits to Mecca through the Ministry of Interior's electronic platform 'Absher' and the Muqeem portal.
Entry permits to Mecca are issued through the Muqeem portal to workers in establishments based in the city, holders of seasonal work visas, and those who have employment contracts with those establishments during the Hajj season.
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