Saudi Arabia begins blocking unauthorized vehicles from entering Hajj sites

MAKKAH — Saudi Hajj security forces began enforcing restrictions on Friday preventing unauthorized vehicles from entering the holy sites ahead of the annual pilgrimage season, with the measures remaining in effect until the end of Dhul Hijjah 13, corresponding to May 30.The move is part of efforts by the Saudi Ministry of Interior to ensure smooth traffic flow in the holy sites, facilitate the movement of pilgrims and manage crowds during the Hajj season.Meanwhile, the ministry is scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday at the Unified Security Operations Center (911) in Makkah, where Hajj security commanders will outline this year’s security, traffic and organizational plans along with related guidelines and instructions.Participants in the briefing include Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami, Commander of the Special Emergency Forces at the Presidency of State Security Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Omari, Director General of Civil Defense Major General Dr. Hamoud Al-Faraj, and Commander of the Hajj Passport Forces Major General Dr. Saleh Al-Murabba.Separately, Makkah security patrols arrested four Indonesian residents on Thursday for allegedly promoting fake and misleading Hajj service advertisements through social media platforms.Authorities said forged Hajj permits and tools used in the fraud were found in their possession. The suspects were detained, legal measures were taken against them, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.In another case, the Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of six Saudi citizens and one expatriate at Makkah entry points for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 10 individuals without official Hajj permits.The ministry said seasonal administrative committees issued penalties that include fines of up to SR100,000 against transporters and anyone involved in the violations, as well as prison sentences and public naming penalties.Additional penalties include fines of up to SR20,000 against individuals attempting to perform Hajj without permits, deportation of expatriate violators and a 10-year ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia after serving their sentences.Authorities also said they would seek court orders to confiscate vehicles used to transport violators.The Ministry of Interior stressed that presenting official permits to security personnel is mandatory for entering or remaining in Makkah and the holy sites. Permits can be displayed through the Tawakkalna application and verified through the Maidan app.The ministry urged all residents and visitors to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions aimed at ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims, calling on the public to report violations through the emergency number 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.