Latest news with #HajjSecurityCommittee
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Blocks 260,000 Unauthorised Pilgrims From Entering Mecca
More than 260,000 people without Hajj permits have been turned away from entering Mecca, as part of the Kingdom's large-scale security crackdown to ensure a safe and regulated pilgrimage season. Speaking at a joint press conference of Hajj security commanders, Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Bassami, Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, confirmed that a total of 269,000 unregistered pilgrims were prevented from reaching the holy city of Mecca. Security authorities arrested 1,239 people attempting to transport unauthorised pilgrims and imposed penalties on more than 75,000 violators of Hajj regulations. They also impounded over 5,000 vehicles and turned back 110,000 others at checkpoints for attempting to carry illegal pilgrims. More than 415 fake Hajj offices were shut down, and permanent checkpoints at Mecca's entry points remain active to intercept further violations. Al Bassami highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to support enforcement efforts and ensure the integrity of the pilgrimage. 'Security personnel will remain vigilant against anyone seeking to violate Hajj regulations,' he said. Meanwhile, Major General Dr Saleh Saad Al Murabba, Director General of Passports, revealed that over 1.47 million international pilgrims have arrived so far, with the Mecca Route Initiative expanding to eight countries and 12 embarkation points. The initiative streamlines immigration procedures at departure airports, using advanced technologies and multilingual staff. Field teams are also deployed with mobile equipment to assist pilgrims and identify unregistered individuals. Maj. Gen Al Murabba urged pilgrims to depart promptly after completing Hajj to avoid legal consequences, assuring that preparations are in place to facilitate smooth exits. The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its full readiness to deal firmly with any threats to Hajj security. The State Security Presidency confirmed the implementation of robust crowd management plans, particularly at the Jamarat facility, while Special Emergency Forces are conducting field missions to protect pilgrims and prevent infiltration.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Morocco World
Over 205,000 Pilgrims Without Hajj Permits Expelled from Mecca
Rabat – Saudi Authorities have expelled more than 205,000 people attempting to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without a permit. Such violations are a recurring issue, mainly committed by individuals who fail to obtain permits due to high demand, limited quotas, or financial constraints. Some also fall victim to fraudulent offices that promise fake permits. These violations occur through unauthorized entry routes, using forged documents, or being transported in private vehicles to bypass security. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, announced new legislation to deal with such violations during the Hajj season. He revealed that Saudi Public Security has identified over 415 fake Hajj offices and turned back more than 269,000 pilgrims without permits. Authorities have imposed penalties on more than 75,000 violators of Hajj regulations. Al-Bassami added that security teams arrested 1,239 individuals attempting to transport unauthorized pilgrims. Saudi Public Security turned back a total of 110,000 vehicles at the entrances of Mecca for transporting these individuals, he added. Saudi authorities have established permanent security checkpoints at the entrances to the holy city to stop violators. Authorities are aiming to ensure safety and proper organization of the pilgrimage, as these violations could cause serious overcrowding and increase risks of accidents and stampedes. Millions of Muslims from across perform the annual pilgrimage each year. The religious ritual is one of the five pillars of Islam, an obligation for all worshippers physically and financially capable of performing it. Tags: HajjMeccaSaudi Arabia
Zawya
3 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia drives 205,000 unauthorized pilgrims out of Makkah and busts 415 fake Haj offices
MAKKAH — Director of Saudi Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami revealed that Public Security teams have driven out more than 205,000 people without Hajj permits from Makkah. Addressing a joint press conference of the Hajj security commanders in Makkah on Sunday, he said that the security forces have turned back more than 269,000 people without Hajj permits from entering Makkah. "The Public Security officials have arrested 1,239 people who attempted to transport illegal pilgrims, and imposed penalties on more than 75,000 violators of Hajj regulations. The security teams also busted more than 415 fake Hajj offices," he said while revealing the adoption of punitive measures to deal with violators during the Hajj season. During the press conference, the Hajj security commanders reviewed the security and organizational plans for this year's Hajj season, Al-Bassami said that Saudi Public Security was able to employ artificial intelligence to boost its security plans to crack down on violators of Hajj regulations. He stressed that security personnel will be on the lookout for anyone who violates the Hajj regulations. Al-Bassami said that Public Security has turned back 110,000 vehicles at the entry points to Makkah for transporting unauthorized pilgrims. It also impounded more than 5,000 vehicles that were planning to transport pilgrims without permits. Saudi Public Security has activated permanent security checkpoints at the entrances to Makkah to apprehend violators. Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba revealed that the number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has exceeded 1.47 million. The number of countries benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative has increased to eight countries with 12 embarkation points. Al-Murabba said that the Passports Department has worked to facilitate procedures for pilgrims in the countries benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative, indicating that they have equipped ports with the latest technology and provided multilingual staff to serve pilgrims. "We have field teams equipped with mobile bags that provide services at all locations and help identify unidentified persons," he said. Al-Murabba urged the pilgrims to depart quickly after the Hajj season ends to avoid exposing themselves to legal accountability. He revealed that the General Directorate of Passports has made the preparations to ensure the departure of the pilgrims after performing the rituals of Hajj. The Ministry of Interior affirmed its ability to deal firmly and effectively with anything that might undermine Hajj security. The State Security Presidency revealed the availability of robust security plans to manage crowds at the Jamarat facility during Hajj. "Pilgrims are in our eyes, and violators are in our grasp," the ministry said adding that it is providing protection to maintain order at vital Hajj sites. The ministry stated that Special Emergency Forces will carry out field missions to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent infiltrators and violators from accessing the holy sites without permission. On Saturday, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud reviewed the readiness of Hajj security forces to carry out their field missions to maintain the security and safety of pilgrims at the annual ceremony organized by the security forces participating in this year's Hajj. "Under the guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, I witnessed today the preparations of the Hajj Security Forces. I am proud of the complete readiness and advanced capabilities I saw, and I ask God to grant us all success in fulfilling our leadership's aspirations for a safe and successful Hajj on all levels," he said. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Authorities in Mecca crack down on Hajj pilgrims without permits
Security forces in Mecca are cracking down on people trying to make a pilgrimage without a permit, as the Islamic holy city prepares to host hundreds of thousands of Muslim worshippers. Ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, authorities have denied access to Mecca to around 270,000 people because they did not have official permits, the Hajj Security Committee said on Sunday. In addition, more than 400 illegal Hajj companies have been discovered, along with more than 5,000 vehicles that were meant to transport unauthorized pilgrims to the holy sites. The Hajj is expected to begin on Wednesday. Nearly 1.5 million people have travelled from abroad to take part. Last year, around 1.8 million people participated. For many Muslims around the world, the Hajj is one of the most important religious experiences of their lives and is also one of the five pillars of Islam. Because the cost for a pilgrim from abroad can be equivalent to $5,700 or significantly more, some try to get to Mecca through unofficial channels. They enter the country as tourists and then visit the holy sites in Mecca and Medina during the pilgrimage without the required Hajj permit. Locals also try to take part in the pilgrimage without authorization.
Leaders
4 days ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud Sponsors Annual Ceremony for Forces Participating in Hajj Season
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, reviewed the readiness of the Hajj security forces to carry out their field duties in ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims. This came during his patronage of the annual ceremony organized by the forces participating in this year's Hajj season, 1446. In a speech delivered during the event, the Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, affirmed that the wise leadership has mobilized all capabilities to serve the pilgrimage and care for the pilgrims, making it one of its highest priorities. He also noted that these great efforts have produced exemplary outcomes in managing human crowds, coordination, planning, and integration among the various sectors, thereby ensuring the intended goals and allowing the guests of God to enjoy the highest levels of safety and security. His Excellency stressed that the Hajj security forces are at the highest levels of readiness and preparedness, and are capable of dealing firmly and effectively with anything that may disrupt the security of the pilgrims or interfere with their performance of the rituals, thereby ensuring a secure environment for them to fulfill their religious duties. The ceremony included live field simulations reflecting various security scenarios, as well as a display of advanced security vehicles and equipment, including security aviation and specialized vehicles used during the Hajj season. Hajj and Umrah Attending the ceremony were Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah in the Madinah Region; Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region; Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, Acting Deputy Minister of Interior; Prince Dr. Bandar bin Abdullah bin Mashari, Assistant Minister of Interior for Technical Affairs; Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mohammed bin Saad, Advisor to the Governor of the Makkah Region and General Supervisor of the Governorate's Agency; as well as ministers who are members of the Supreme Hajj Committee, leaders of security and military sectors, and several senior officials. Related Topics: Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations Riyadh Global Health Exhibition to Bring Together Int'nal Healthcare Experts Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Governor New Chapter Unfolded: Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Intensive Care Unit Short link : Post Views: 27
