Saudi Arabia Medina shoppers
Shoppers queue up outside a mall in the Saudi city of Medina on Thursday. Picture for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: SPA

Abu Dhabi: Saudi police have arrested a man for selling move permits between the regions during the curfew, taking advantage of the precautionary measures enforced to curb the outbreak of coronavirus for illegal financial gain, Major Mohammad Al Ghamdi, spokesperson for the Makkah Al Mukarramah Police said.

“The Saudi man, in his 40s, will be referred to the Public Prosecution, pending trail,” major Al Ghamdi added.

Saudi Arabia began easing restrictions on movement and travel this week, more than two months after stringent measures were introduced to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Starting Thursday, the 24-hour curfew was reduced to 3pm to 6am countrywide.

From Sunday May 31, free movement will be allowed between 6am and 8pm.

Saudi Arabia had imposed 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities but eased them from the start of the fasting month of Ramadan.