Dubai: Saudi authorities announced that security checkpoints are being set up around the holy city of Mecca to prevent the entry to holy sites without a permit as the Kingdom is embracing a limited Hajj season to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday.
Taif Police announced that the security checkpoints are being installed to prevent violators from entering the holy sites.
Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Passport said that violators would face imprisonment and fines of up to SR10,000 that will be doubled in case of repetition.
Security personnel will be on duty on all roads leading to the holy sites to prevent violations and detect any illegal attempt to enter the places during the designated period as well as apply penalties against offenders.
There will be no Hajj campaigns or offices for this year’s pilgrimage season, Khalid bin Qarar Al Harbi, Commander of Special Emergency Forces and Hajj Security Forces, said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that this year’s pilgrimage will be limited to only 10,000 pilgrims, including Saudis and expatriate residing in the Kingdom.
