Latest news with #NoHajjWithoutaPermit
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 Today
7 days ago
- Gulf Today
'No Hajj Without a Permit:' Saudi employs drones to curb unauthorised pilgrims
Gulf Today Report Saudi authorities are employing innovative technologies particularly drones for surveillance to prevent the infiltration of unauthorised pilgrims into Makkah during Hajj this year. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is employing state-of-the-art technologies to boost its efforts in identifying illegal pilgrims ahead of the Hajj, foreign media reported. Saudi officials welcome a pilgrim upon his arrival at Jeddah Airport. SPA The General Directorate of Public Security of Saudi Arabia has also released a video showcasing a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera monitoring violators and vehicles attempting to transport unauthorized pilgrims without the mandatory official permits, commonly known as the Nusuk Card, the foreign media further said. As part of the high-profile campaign 'No Hajj Without a Permit,' Saudi security authorities are conducting a rigorous crackdown on illegal pilgrims and against their facilitators. The released footage shows a drone identifying a suspicious vehicle in the desert, suspected of carrying undocumented pilgrims. The drone relayed the vehicle's coordinates to security patrols, who promptly apprehended the violators. Meanwhile, spokesperson for Pakistan's Religious Ministry Muhammad Umar Butt while praising Saudi authorities' this initiative said, 'Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernising the pilgrimage experience through innovative technology demonstrates their dedication to ensuring pilgrims' comfort and convenience.'
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Awqaf cracks down on unlicensed Hajj and Umrah campaign
QNA Doha The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has intercepted a newly established, unlicensed Hajj and Umrah campaign operating unlawfully without official authorization, which is an unequivocal violation that triggers legal accountability and referral to the competent judicial authorities. In a statement on Sunday, Awqaf stressed that its move comes in light of its commitment to the safety of the nation's pilgrims and ensuring their streamlined entry to the holy sites in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which devoted all its energies to the security and safety of pilgrims. The Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs has successfully intercepted one of the newly established Hajj offices, in alignment with the maximum security measures enforced in the holy lands to ensure the success of the 'No Hajj Without a Permit' initiative, and securing and streamlining the entry procedures for pilgrims from the State of Qatar, the statement underlined. In addition, Awqaf stressed that operating Hajj and Umrah campaigns requires the obtainment of official licenses from the aforementioned department, in accordance with the enforced statutory rules in this regard. Awqaf warned against dealing with any unlicensed entities to ensure they are not engaged in any potential infractions that might affect the safety of pilgrims and Umrah performers. The department's judicial police inspectors are tasked with conducting regular inspection campaigns on Hajj and Umrah offices and campaigns to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and obligations, the statement read. It highlighted that these inspections include verifying that entities have obtained the necessary licenses to operate Hajj and Umrah campaigns, identifying any potential violations, and ultimately taking further legal actions against the violators accordingly. In this regard, Awqaf urges all citizens and residents to make sure that they register in licensed Hajj and Umrah campaigns, since the department's website: includes a list of the approved names of Hajj campaigns, whose number is 17. Furthermore, there is a list of licensed offices and companies authorized to operate Umrah trips, thereby underscoring the importance of engaging exclusively with accredited campaigns in order to safeguard the rights of pilgrims and ensure the integrity of procedures and the safety of their arrival to the holy sites.
Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Awqaf ministry intercepts unlicensed Hajj and Umrah campaign, refers case to legal authorities
DOHA: The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has intercepted a newly established, unlicensed Hajj and Umrah campaign operating unlawfully without official authorization, constituting an unequivocal violation that triggers legal accountability and referral to the competent judicial authorities. In a statement on Sunday, Awqaf stressed that its move comes in light of its commitment to the safety of the nation's pilgrims and ensuring their streamlined entry to the holy sites in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which devoted all its energies to the security and safety of pilgrims. The Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs has successfully intercepted one of the newly established Hajj offices, in alignment with the maximum security measures enforced in the holy lands to ensure the success of the 'No Hajj Without a Permit' initiative, and securing and streamlining the entry procedures for pilgrims from the State of Qatar, the statement underlined. In addition, Awqaf stressed that operating Hajj and Umrah campaigns requires the obtainment of official licenses from the aforementioned department, in accordance with the enforced statutory rules in this regard. It warned against dealing with any unlicensed offices or entities to ensure they are not engaged in any potential infractions that might affect the safety of pilgrims and Umrah performers. The department's judicial police inspectors are tasked with conducting regular inspection campaigns on Hajj and Umrah offices and campaigns to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and obligations, the statement read. It highlighted that these inspections include verifying that entities have obtained the necessary licenses to operate Hajj and Umrah campaigns, identifying any potential violations, and ultimately taking further legal actions against the violators accordingly. In this regard, Awqaf urges all citizens and residents to make sure that they register in licensed Hajj and Umrah campaigns, since the department's website: includes a list of the approved names of Hajj campaigns, whose number is 17. Furthermore, there is a list of licensed offices and companies authorized to operate Umrah trips, thereby underscoring the importance of engaging exclusively with accredited campaigns in order to safeguard the rights of pilgrims and ensure the integrity of procedures and the safety of their arrival to the holy sites.
