Khaberni - Mohammad Altawalbeh, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, confirmed on Saturday that the ministry has begun the final arrangements for the Hajj season, emphasizing full compliance with the guidelines and regulations issued by the Saudi authorities to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
Altawalbeh clarified that the ministry has urged citizens not to follow the fictitious campaigns that promote the possibility of performing Hajj rituals without an official permit or through visas not intended for such use, such as transit or visit visas, warning that this may result in fines up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, in addition to exposing the violators to exploitation and embarrassment.
He mentioned a high level of coordination between the Ministry of Awqaf and the Ministry of Interior, in addition to ongoing coordination with the Saudi authorities, which stopped issuing Umrah visas from the first of Dhu al-Qi'dah, corresponding to April 14, and prohibited entry to Mecca and the holy sites.
He explained that the ministry relies on licensed and officially announced companies on its websites to organize Hajj trips, confirming that any information regarding violations related to accommodation or lodging is directly followed up to curb this phenomenon.
Regarding violations, Altawalbeh pointed out that there are limited cases being verified, emphasizing that those who contribute to or facilitate the transportation or lodging of pilgrims without a permit may face a fine up to 100,000 Saudi Riyal, equivalent to 18,000 Dinars, in addition to the possibility of imprisonment for up to six months and being banned from entering Saudi Arabia for at least ten years.
Altawalbeh urged citizens to adhere to the official instructions and avoid the "trap of fictitious Hajj" to ensure their safety and secure the performance of the rituals safely.
He also confirmed that the ministry has completed the contracts related to the transportation of pilgrims by land and air, in addition to securing accommodations under specific conditions, highlighting the implementation of intensive training programs for religious guides that included tests to ensure their readiness in guiding and advising the pilgrims during the rituals.
