Latest news with #SaudiPublicSecurity
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
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia drives 205,000 unauthorized pilgrims out of Makkah and busts 415 fake Hajj offices
Saudi Gazette report 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.
Gulf Insider
16-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Egyptian Arrested For Transporting Four Undocumented Individuals Who Lacked Official Hajj Permits
Saudi authorities have arrested four Indonesian residents in Madinah for allegedly defrauding individuals by falsely claiming to offer sacrificial animal slaughter (Hady) services for a fee. The suspects were apprehended by Madinah police and have been referred to the Public Prosecution following initial legal proceedings. Authorities stated the group had promoted fraudulent services targeting pilgrims through unofficial channels. The Saudi Public Security warned against deceptive advertisements circulating on social media, particularly those claiming to provide Hajj services on behalf of others, including Hady sacrifices, the sale of Hajj identification bracelets, and transportation arrangements. It cautioned that many of these offers originate from individuals and entities operating without authorization. Separately, Hajj security forces arrested an Egyptian national for transporting four undocumented individuals who lacked official Hajj permits. The group was intercepted en route to Mecca and has been referred to the appropriate judicial committee for sanctions. The Saudi Ministry of Interior has reiterated that only holders of official Hajj visas are permitted to perform the pilgrimage. Visit visa holders, regardless of category, are prohibited from entering Mecca and the holy sites between Dhul-Qa'dah 1 and Dhul-Hijjah 14. Violators face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,300), deportation, and a 10-year reentry ban.
Al Bawaba
30-03-2025
- Al Bawaba
Video: woman slaps security man in Al Masjid an Nabawi, gets arrested
ALBAWABA - A video has circulated on social media showed a woman slapping a security man inside the Al Masjid an Nabawi. Also Read Tesla officially launches in Saudi Arabia next month Saudi security forces announced on Saturday the arrest of a woman after she assaulted a security officer at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, local media confirmed. The announcement of the woman's arrest came after a video of the incident was widely posted online, showing a security man interacting with the woman and trying to prevent her from crossing the barriers, when she refused. 📹| شرطة منطقة المدينة المنورة تباشر - في حينه - واقعة اعتداء امرأة على رجل أمن أثناء أداء مهام عمله وتستكمل الإجراءات النظامية حيالها. — الأمن العام (@security_gov) March 28, 2025 She insisted on passing through the barriers and when he tried to stop her she slapped him, and then the police officer slapped her back after she assaulted him. The Saudi Public Security account posted on X account that "the Medina region police are investigating an incident in which a woman assaulted a police officer while he was performing his duties and are completing the necessary legal procedures." It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia announced celebrating Eid Al-Fitr 2025 on Sunday, along with UAE, Qatar, Lebanon and Sudan. Meanwhile, Egypt, Jordan and Syria will mark the end of Ramadan 2025 on Monday, March 31.
