Travel Agencies Called Out For Misuse of Visit Visas for Hajj

Saudi authorities are calling out certain travel agencies for reportedly misleading visa holders to perform Hajj illegally.

According to Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, the Security Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, travel agencies issued visit visas that could not be used for Hajj.

In addition, these companies further encouraged the visit visa holders to stay in Mecca two months before Hajj.

Such a move violates regulations as there is a designated permit for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Hajj permits: An essential tool

In an interview with Al-Arabiya Television, Al-Shalhoub stressed the importance of a proper Hajj permit as this not only provides Hajj access to pilgrims but also helps authorities locate them and provide them with essential services.

Expressing his condolences to affected families, Al-Shalhoub also pointed out that 83 percent of the year’s Hajj heatstroke victims did not have Hajj permits.

“A Hajj permit is not merely a transit card but a crucial tool that facilitates access to pilgrims and identifies their locations to provide necessary care and services promptly,” Al-Shalhoub remarked.

Travel agencies to be penalized

The Ministry of Interior representative also noted that they are determined to administer the appropriate punitive measures for violators.

“The ministry has taken proactive measures to intensify media and awareness campaigns against performing Hajj without permits as well as to enforce stringent penalties on violators,” Al-Shalhoub added.

The Public Security’s official social media accounts have been posting updates about travel agencies’ fraudulent Hajj campaigns.

These tourism companies have also been referred to the Saudi Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution.

Guidance and leadership

Al-Shalhoub also expressed his gratitude to countries that have taken stringent steps to punish travel agencies’ fraudulent activities concerning Hajj.

Despite the reported misconduct of travel agencies, Al-Shalhoub confirmed the success of the year’s Hajj security measures, thanks to the coordination between different government agencies.

“These plans were implemented well in advance, following the directives of the wise leadership and under the continuous supervision of [the] Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif,” Al-Shalhoub said.

Past Hajj violations

Earlier in June, security forces arrested 25 individuals for transporting individuals who did not possess a Hajj permit.

The violators face 15 days of imprisonment and a fine of SAD 10,000 ($2,665) for each individual they illegally transported.

The vehicle used to transport the said individuals was also confiscated.

In a press conference, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdel Aali, spokesman of the Ministry of Health, shared how hundreds of thousands of pilgrims had received different healthcare services.

“More than 112,000 pilgrims have benefited from various integrated medical services and healthcare provided by the ministry to the guests of God, from the first day of Dhul Qada until the day of Arafat, and these services varied between medical and specialized clinics, pharmacies, dialysis centers, intensive care rooms, and isolation units,”

Safety is a must

Saudi nationals and residents were encouraged to strictly abide by Hajj rules for the safety and security of pilgrims.

People face penalties if caught without a Hajj permit in the vicinities of Mecca, the Central Haram area, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, the Haramain train station in Rusayfah, security control centers, Hajj grouping centers, as well as temporary security control centers.

This includes Saudi nationals, expatriates, and visitors who do not have a Hajj permit.

The violators would also be penalized with a SAR 10,000 fine.

Earlier, in May 2024, Saudi authorities warned the public that any type of Saudi visit visa would not permit Hajj pilgrims to enter or stay in Mecca.

Pilgrims must first secure a Hajj permit to legally perform the pilgrimage.

Photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash