Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations
The Security Spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, Colonel Talal bin Abdul Mohsen bin Shalhoub, stated that some tourism companies have deceived visit visa holders and encouraged pilgrims to violate Hajj regulations, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The spokesman explained that these companies have provided the pilgrims with visas not intended for Hajj, while pushing them to commit Hajj violations by staying in Mecca two months before the pilgrimage.
Bin Shalhoub indicated that 1,301 people died during Hajj including 1,079 pilgrims who did not obtain Hajj permits, representing 83% of the death toll.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya, Bin Shalhoub expressed his sincere condolences to pilgrims’ families and relatives and prayed for Allah to have mercy upon them.
Furthermore, he pointed out to the Saudi media campaigns that warned against performing Hajj without being authorized and the strict penalties imposed on violators.
Hajj Permits
He shed light on the fact that Hajj permit is not just a normal transit card, but a crucial tool that facilitates access to pilgrims and identifies their exact locations to provide them with necessary care and services.
Without this permit, pilgrims shall encounter multiple challenges in order to get services and healthcare.
Bin Shalhoub stressed that they were continuously updating the General Directorate of Public Security’s official social media accounts with strict warnings to those who promoted fake Hajj campaigns.
He expressed his gratitude to those countries which took strict measures against all the companies caught red handed in Hajj violations.
Bin Shalhoub emphasized the success of the security plans for Hajj 2024 due to the mutual efforts of security, military, and all government agencies concerned with Hajj.
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