329,000 people stopped from entering Makkah for lack of Hajj permit

Makkah Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal on Sunday said more than 329,000 people have been stopped from entering the holy city for lack of Hajj permit.

More than 144,000 vehicles without permits have also been disallowed from entering the city, 15 drivers have been arrested for illegally transporting pilgrims, and 181 bogus Hajj offices have been closed, said the governor, who is also chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee.

The measure is enforced during the Hajj season to prevent congestion.

He said the Saudi government has mobilized more than 350,000 people from different sectors to serve Hajj pilgrims.

Governor Al-Faisal also said Saudi Arabia is not responsible for obstacles put up by the Qatari government to impede its citizens who want to perform Hajj.

“We’re not responsible for what they do. We’re responsible for what we do. 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.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had created a new webpage for Qataris who wish to perform the pilgrimage this year. It then called on Qatar not to block the webpage as it did previously.

Qatari Hajj pilgrims can register their details, browse packages and pay for them at: qatar1440.haj.gov.sa

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 said.