According to the Saudi Gazette Report
Saudi Authorities Report 20000 Visitors Penalized for Hajj Violations, Emphasize Clarified Participation Rules
Saudi Arabia’s Public Security authorities have issued a clear directive that no type of visit visa allows its holder to perform Hajj.
Visitors to the Kingdom holding any visit visa are urged not to travel to or remain in Makkah from Dhul Qada 15 (May 23) until Dhul-Hijjah 15 (June 21). This announcement is aimed at ensuring compliance with Hajj regulations.
Penalties Imposed on Violators
More than 20,000 visitors on various types of visit visas have faced penalties for violating Hajj regulations. These regulations strictly prohibit staying in Makkah without proper authorization. Violators will be subject to penalties following the Kingdom’s regulations, which aim to ensure the safety of authorized Hajj pilgrims during their rituals.
Security and Organizational Measures
The Ministry of Interior has implemented security and organizational measures to safeguard authorized pilgrims. As part of these efforts, fines amounting to SR10,000 will be imposed on violators, including Saudi citizens, expatriates, and visitors if they are caught entering Makkah without a Hajj permit during the period from June 2 to June 20.
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Hajj Obligations and Affordability
Hajj is an obligation only for Muslims who can afford it. This means that it is intended for those who can bear the cost of travel to and stay in Saudi Arabia, as well as endure the physical demands of the five-day pilgrimage that spans multiple locations in and around Mecca. However, many people attempt to perform Hajj without valid visas, which strains the already stretched infrastructure at the holy sites.
Hajj Quota and Travel Arrangements for India
This year, out of India’s total Hajj quota of 175,025 pilgrims, 140,020 will travel through the Hajj Committee of India (HCOI), while 35,005 pilgrims will use the services of around 600 registered private tour operators. Typically, the Hajj Committee offers a stay of around 40 days, whereas private tour operators may offer stays of less than 20 days.
Additional Visits and Recommendations
While Hajj rituals are performed over five days, many pilgrims extend their stay to visit Medina and pay tribute to the Prophet, who is buried there. However, visiting Medina is not part of the Hajj rituals. To avoid issues with Saudi authorities, pilgrims are advised to verify the authenticity of their tour operators, ensuring they are registered and licensed, and that they have not overbooked pilgrims.
Issues with Fraudulent Tour Operators
Imran Alvi of Alvi Travels, a prominent Hajj and Umrah tour operator, warns that some operators overbook pilgrims, hoping to secure extra visas or take pilgrims on a ‘visit’ visa. Alvi suggests that such fraudulent operators should be blacklisted and punished.
Pillars of Islam and the Annual Pilgrimage
Hajj is an annual pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam (along with the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and zakat or charity). In contrast, Umrah, known as the smaller pilgrimage, can be performed throughout the year. Some Hajj rituals occur outside the holy precincts of Mecca, such as in the tent city of Mina and the plains of Arafat.
