The Saudi Ministry of Interior released a video showing the monitoring and tracking of individuals violating Hajj regulations captured by a drone. The ministry shared the video on the "X" platform, commenting: "As part of the security agencies' efforts to monitor and track violators of Hajj regulations, the aerial monitoring force of Hajj Security, in cooperation with Air Security, managed to spot a vehicle in a desert area near the Al-Shumaisi parking lot and tracked it in coordination with ground field teams until the driver was apprehended at a fuel station in the holy city."
It continued: "It became evident that he was transporting individuals violating Hajj rules and instructions. We emphasize that regardless of the varied methods and ways, law enforcement is on high alert, and it is always reminded: No Hajj without a permit."
A separate video released by the Ministry featured one of the drones used by Saudi security forces, highlighting the technologies employed to monitor violators of the regulations and instructions.
Many people seek to perform Hajj through unofficial channels because obtaining official permits and packages for accommodation and services can be expensive, with limited quotas allocated for pilgrims from each country.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had previously announced that Umrah, tourism, work, family visit, and transit (transit) visas, among other types of visas, do not qualify the holder to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. It urged everyone to adhere to the regulations and laws imposed by the official authorities overseeing the Hajj and to refrain from falling prey to fraudulent companies and offices that claim to offer commercial Hajj campaigns and similar services.
