The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah revealed that 90% of domestic pilgrims have completed the health precautions related to receiving vaccinations that help protect against infections arising from crowding. The ministry added through its account on the "X" platform that the refusal of a limited number of domestic pilgrims to receive the vaccine has led to the cancellation of their Hajj permits.
The ministry urges the remaining domestic pilgrims to promptly get vaccinated against meningococcal disease to avoid the cancellation of their Hajj permits.
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior reported that Hajj security forces apprehended 21 individuals for violating Hajj regulations ("Hajj without a permit") at the entrances of the holy capital. This included 8 residents and 13 citizens, involved in transporting 61 violators, on the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1445 AH, corresponding to June 7, 2024.
The seasonal administrative committees of the General Directorate of Passports issued 21 administrative decisions against them, including a 15-day prison sentence for each transporter and a financial penalty of 10,000 riyals, with increased fines for each additional violator transported. The decisions also included publicizing their names, deporting the transporters among expatriates, and prohibiting their entry into the Kingdom for specified periods after the punishment is served, along with the judicial seizure of three vehicles used for transportation.
The Ministry of Interior called upon all citizens and expatriates to adhere to the regulations and instructions of Hajj to ensure that the guests of Allah can perform their rites in security, safety, comfort, and reassurance. The Director of Public Security in Saudi Arabia, Major General Muhammad Al-Basami, stated that the public security has managed to uncover more than 140 fake Hajj companies during this year's Hajj season.
