Latest news with #NoHajjWithoutaPermit
Barnama
06-06-2025
- Barnama
No Hajj Without A Permit: Saudi Arabia's Vision For Safe And Seamless Pilgrimage
MINA (Saudi Arabia), June 6 (Bernama-SPA) -- Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Hajj for every pilgrim is embodied in its annual national awareness and regulatory campain "No Hajj Without a Permit', a cornerstone of the Kingdom's national vision for a successful pilgrimage. The campaign, aimed at both domestic and international pilgrims, is a testament to the Saudi leadership's dedication to providing comprehensive services, safety, comfort, and reassurance, preventing the chaos and violations that have historically disrupted the smooth flow of Hajj. "No Hajj Without a Permit" directly addresses issues such as unauthorised pilgrims, road congestion, and fraudulent Hajj campaigns that expose pilgrims to harsh conditions, according to Saudi Press Agency (SPA). bootstrap slideshow For the Hajj season 1446 AH, the campaign has underscored the Kingdom's firm resolve, emphasising that a successful Hajj is a shared national, security, and organisational responsibility. Measures include proactive awareness messaging, intensified security checkpoints at entry points to Makkah and the holy sites, the use of advanced monitoring technologies, and the immediate enforcement of penalties for violations. This year's Arafah Day, in particular, highlighted the campaign's success, SPA reported. Pilgrims followed instructions and arrived at their designated camps on time, resulting in an unprecedentedly smooth traffic flow and clear roads around Arafat and Namirah Mosque. A palpable sense of tranquility and reassurance prevailed as pilgrims performed their essential Hajj rituals, supported by a secure environment and extensive government services. Each authorised pilgrim was allocated equipped spaces within the holy sites, ensuring an organised experience that prioritised their health and service needs, including housing, catering, healthcare, and modern transportation, while smart applications and platforms further enhanced awareness efforts.
Barnama
05-06-2025
- Barnama
Strict Saudi Visa Strategy Effective, Pilgrim Movement Orderly
By Massita Ahmad MAKKAH, June 5 (Bernama) -- The strict visa control strategy enforced by the Saudi Arabian government for this year's Hajj season has proven highly effective, ensuring that only authorised pilgrims are permitted to perform the pilgrimage. Media Facilitator and Head of the Malaysian Hajj Media Delegation 2025, Datuk Izelan Basar, said his personal observations revealed a stark improvement compared to previous years, particularly in the management of pilgrims en route to Arafah. bootstrap slideshow An estimated 1.8 million Muslims from around the world are performing Hajj this year, with the majority already gathered in Arafah for the wukuf ritual on Thursday (June 5). "From a personal perspective, I saw a significant difference. In the past, we would come to Arafah and see people walking along the roadside, some sleeping or lying down. "But this year, with the excellent strategy and formula implemented by the Saudi government, I didn't see anyone walking. Every pilgrim is required to travel by bus, and if they don't, they will be detained," he told Malaysian media here. According to Izelan, such detentions typically involved individuals who did not possess valid Hajj visas, adding that these firm measures are part of Saudi Arabia's nationwide awareness campaign, "No Hajj Without a Permit." For the first time, the Saudi Civil Defence has also deployed an AI-powered drone, "Saqr" (Falcon), to detect and intercept unauthorised pilgrims, reinforcing the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign. "I see this system as a major advantage. Pilgrim movements are now neat, clean, well-organised, and easily planned. Unlike in past years, where some attempted to sneak in without a visa, everything this year appears orderly and controlled," he said.
CairoScene
30-05-2025
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones to Monitor Unauthorised Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia enhances Hajj safety with drone surveillance to detect unauthorised access and enforce permit regulations. Saudi Arabia has introduced drone surveillance technology to support security operations during Hajj 2025, as part of the ongoing 'No Hajj Without a Permit' campaign. The initiative aims to prevent unauthorised individuals from entering Makkah and participating in the pilgrimage without official documentation. According to the General Directorate of Public Security, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and artificial intelligence are being deployed to monitor access points and remote desert areas. The surveillance technology is designed to detect violators attempting to enter restricted zones and to relay real-time data to security patrols for immediate response. Recent footage released by authorities showed drones identifying a suspicious vehicle transporting unauthorised pilgrims. The vehicle's location was shared with security teams, leading to its interception and the arrest of the individuals involved. Under current regulations, unauthorised attempts to access Hajj sites carry fines of up to SAR 20,000 for individuals and up to SAR 100,000 for those facilitating such violations. Additional penalties include imprisonment, deportation for expatriates, a 10-year re-entry ban, and potential vehicle confiscation.
Gulf Insider
28-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Drones Spot Illegal Hajj Pilgrims
Ahead of the Hajj, Saudi Arabia has intensified its security measures by deploying advanced drone technology to detect and intercept unauthorized pilgrims attempting to enter the holy sites without official permits. A video released by the General Directorate of Public Security shows a drone patrolling a remote desert route. Equipped with a high-resolution camera, the drone spots a suspicious vehicle suspected of carrying undocumented pilgrims. It then relays the vehicle's location to ground patrols, who quickly move in and detain the violators. Officials say the drones, operating 24/7, are a key component of this year's enhanced security operations. They monitor high-risk areas and provide real-time footage to command centres staffed by trained security analysts. 'This video shows how technology is helping protect Hajj,' said a Ministry of Interior spokesperson. 'Unauthorized pilgrims pose safety and logistical challenges. We are determined to prevent such violations.' The operation is part of the broader 'No Hajj Without a Permit' campaign, aimed at ensuring that only authorized individuals participate in the pilgrimage. This policy helps control overcrowding, reduce strain on resources, and maintain the overall safety of millions of pilgrims. Authorities are also targeting the networks behind unauthorized attempts. Drivers, organizers, and illegal tour operators are being identified and face serious consequences, including arrest, fines, and deportation for non-citizens. 'We're not just stopping individuals; we're dismantling the operations that support them,' the official added. Saudi officials are urging all pilgrims to respect the laws and obtain official permits. With the support of drone surveillance and advanced monitoring systems, the Kingdom is reinforcing its commitment to protecting the sanctity and safety of Hajj.
Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- Gulf Today
'No Hajj Without a Permit:' Saudi employs drones to curb unauthorised pilgrims
Gulf Today Report Saudi authorities are employing innovative technologies particularly drones for surveillance to prevent the infiltration of unauthorised pilgrims into Makkah during Hajj this year. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is employing state-of-the-art technologies to boost its efforts in identifying illegal pilgrims ahead of the Hajj, foreign media reported. Saudi officials welcome a pilgrim upon his arrival at Jeddah Airport. SPA The General Directorate of Public Security of Saudi Arabia has also released a video showcasing a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera monitoring violators and vehicles attempting to transport unauthorized pilgrims without the mandatory official permits, commonly known as the Nusuk Card, the foreign media further said. As part of the high-profile campaign 'No Hajj Without a Permit,' Saudi security authorities are conducting a rigorous crackdown on illegal pilgrims and against their facilitators. The released footage shows a drone identifying a suspicious vehicle in the desert, suspected of carrying undocumented pilgrims. The drone relayed the vehicle's coordinates to security patrols, who promptly apprehended the violators. Meanwhile, spokesperson for Pakistan's Religious Ministry Muhammad Umar Butt while praising Saudi authorities' this initiative said, 'Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernising the pilgrimage experience through innovative technology demonstrates their dedication to ensuring pilgrims' comfort and convenience.'
