Saudi Arabia mounts worldwide clampdown on fake Hajj businesses
Stringent measures to curtail irregular pilgrims’ entry into holy places
Cairo: Saudi Arabia is pursuing a global clampdown in cooperation with other countries to expose businesses involved in promoting fake tours for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, an official has disclosed.
“There is work with Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, and other countries where such campaigns proliferate. Such companies in those countries have been dismantled,” said Ayed Al Ghuwaynem, Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs.
Saudi Arabia has recently cautioned Muslims planning to perform Hajj about fake campaigns and websites, and has defined associated legal channels. The ministry stressed that all pilgrims must obtain a Hajj permit.
Starting June 2, Saudi Arabia will enforce penalties against Muslims caught trying to illegally perform Hajj in and around Mecca. This year’s Hajj rites are expected to commence on June 14, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
A person caught transporting violators of Hajj-related instructions and illegal pilgrims faces up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of SR50,000. If the violating transporter is an expatriate, they will be deported from the kingdom after serving their term.
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