From Suleiman Idris in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Governor of Makkah in Saudi Arabia Prince Khalid Al-Faisal said more than 329,000 people who entered the country were prevented from entering the holy city of Mecca since the beginning of the 2019 Hajj season for failure to obtain the Hajj permit document.
He said 15 drivers have also been apprehended for illegally transporting pilgrims in the region while a total number of 181 sham Hajj offices have been closed just as he affirmed that the measure is aim at preventing unnecessary congestion during the Hajj season.
Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, who is also chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, added that more than 144,000 vehicles without permits had also been disallowed from entering the city while the Saudi government has mobilized more than 350,000 people from different sectors to serve Hajj pilgrims.
“We’ve opened the doors of the country and our hearts to receive pilgrims from all over the world. We serve them equally, and we welcome them in the holy land,” he said.
Pilgrims “are here for Hajj and worship. Let them dedicate themselves to worship and leave the other things. They’ll be welcomed and served by Saudis,” the governor added.
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