Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofPublicSecurity
CairoScene
3 days ago
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones to Monitor Unauthorised Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia enhances Hajj safety with drone surveillance to detect unauthorised access and enforce permit regulations. Saudi Arabia has introduced drone surveillance technology to support security operations during Hajj 2025, as part of the ongoing 'No Hajj Without a Permit' campaign. The initiative aims to prevent unauthorised individuals from entering Makkah and participating in the pilgrimage without official documentation. According to the General Directorate of Public Security, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and artificial intelligence are being deployed to monitor access points and remote desert areas. The surveillance technology is designed to detect violators attempting to enter restricted zones and to relay real-time data to security patrols for immediate response. Recent footage released by authorities showed drones identifying a suspicious vehicle transporting unauthorised pilgrims. The vehicle's location was shared with security teams, leading to its interception and the arrest of the individuals involved. Under current regulations, unauthorised attempts to access Hajj sites carry fines of up to SAR 20,000 for individuals and up to SAR 100,000 for those facilitating such violations. Additional penalties include imprisonment, deportation for expatriates, a 10-year re-entry ban, and potential vehicle confiscation.
Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Drones Spot Illegal Hajj Pilgrims
Ahead of the Hajj, Saudi Arabia has intensified its security measures by deploying advanced drone technology to detect and intercept unauthorized pilgrims attempting to enter the holy sites without official permits. A video released by the General Directorate of Public Security shows a drone patrolling a remote desert route. Equipped with a high-resolution camera, the drone spots a suspicious vehicle suspected of carrying undocumented pilgrims. It then relays the vehicle's location to ground patrols, who quickly move in and detain the violators. Officials say the drones, operating 24/7, are a key component of this year's enhanced security operations. They monitor high-risk areas and provide real-time footage to command centres staffed by trained security analysts. 'This video shows how technology is helping protect Hajj,' said a Ministry of Interior spokesperson. 'Unauthorized pilgrims pose safety and logistical challenges. We are determined to prevent such violations.' The operation is part of the broader 'No Hajj Without a Permit' campaign, aimed at ensuring that only authorized individuals participate in the pilgrimage. This policy helps control overcrowding, reduce strain on resources, and maintain the overall safety of millions of pilgrims. Authorities are also targeting the networks behind unauthorized attempts. Drivers, organizers, and illegal tour operators are being identified and face serious consequences, including arrest, fines, and deportation for non-citizens. 'We're not just stopping individuals; we're dismantling the operations that support them,' the official added. Saudi officials are urging all pilgrims to respect the laws and obtain official permits. With the support of drone surveillance and advanced monitoring systems, the Kingdom is reinforcing its commitment to protecting the sanctity and safety of Hajj.
Gulf Insider
7 days ago
- Gulf Insider
4 Kyrgyz And Indonesian Nationals Arrested In Makkah For Fake Hajj Campaign
Police in the Makkah region have arrested two Kyrgyz residents for posting fraudulent advertisements targeting visit visa holders, misleading them into believing they could perform Hajj without a permit. The two suspects facilitated the transport of 87 visit visa holders and sheltered them in two rented locations within the city of Makkah for a fee. Legal action has been taken against them, and they have been referred to the Public Prosecution. The visa violators have also been referred to the relevant authorities to face legal penalties. In a related incident, security patrols in Makkah have arrested two Indonesian residents for engaging in fraud by posting deceptive advertisements on social media for fake Hajj campaigns. In the advertisement, they falsely promised accommodation and transportation services for pilgrims within the holy sites. They were referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal action. The General Directorate of Public Security urged citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and guidelines and to report about violators by calling over the phone 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
4 Kyrgyz and Indonesian nationals arrested in Makkah for fake Hajj campaign
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Police in the Makkah region have arrested two Kyrgyz residents for posting fraudulent advertisements targeting visit visa holders, misleading them into believing they could perform Hajj without a permit. The two suspects facilitated the transport of 87 visit visa holders and sheltered them in two rented locations within the city of Makkah for a fee. Legal action has been taken against them, and they have been referred to the Public Prosecution. The visa violators have also been referred to the relevant authorities to face legal penalties. In a related incident, security patrols in Makkah have arrested two Indonesian residents for engaging in fraud by posting deceptive advertisements on social media for fake Hajj campaigns. In the advertisement, they falsely promised accommodation and transportation services for pilgrims within the holy sites. They were referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal action. The General Directorate of Public Security urged citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and guidelines and to report about violators by calling over the phone 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia deploys drones, AI to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrims
Listen to article Saudi Arabia has deployed advanced technologies, including drones and artificial intelligence, to intensify its crackdown on unauthorized Hajj pilgrims, Gulf News reported. The initiative aims to strengthen surveillance and enforcement ahead of this year's Islamic pilgrimage. The Kingdom's General Directorate of Public Security released footage showing drones equipped with high-resolution cameras tracking individuals and vehicles suspected of attempting to reach the holy sites without valid permits. Saudi Hajj Security Forces… – Modern technologies – Advanced security systems To enforce Hajj regulations and instructions, and to apprehend violators of the laws and regulations.#No_Hajj_Without_Permit#HajjSecurity#Hajj2025 — Hajj News (@hajj1_ENG) May 23, 2025 In one instance, a drone detected a suspicious vehicle in a remote desert area and relayed its coordinates to ground patrols, who quickly apprehended the suspects. These drones are part of a sophisticated surveillance system that integrates artificial intelligence and thermal imaging, enabling authorities to identify and intercept violators in real time. The campaign, titled 'No Hajj Without a Permit,' is central to the government's efforts to regulate the pilgrimage and ensure the safety of all participants. Read more: Saudi Arabia announces strict penalties for unauthorised Hajj pilgrims Several individuals have been arrested in recent days for illegally transporting undocumented pilgrims. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that special seasonal committees have issued administrative penalties, including prison terms, fines of up to SR100,000 per violator, deportation of expatriates after serving their sentences, a 10-year re-entry ban, and the judicial seizure of vehicles used in these violations. The ministry reiterated that performing Hajj requires a specific Hajj visa. Individuals on visit visas are strictly prohibited from undertaking the pilgrimage. International pilgrims must obtain Hajj visas through their respective Hajj Affairs offices in 80 countries or via the Nusuk Hajj platform, which facilitates applications from 126 nations. In addition, the Ministry has announced fines of up to SR20,000 for anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without official authorization. These stringent measures come amid concerns over foreign visitors overstaying their visas with the intent to join the pilgrimage illegally.
