Islamabad: The Saudi Arabian government has given a stern warning to Pakistan regarding Haj rules. Saudi Arabia said that if any Pakistani citizen is found violating Haj permission rules this year, strict penalties will be imposed on him. This warning has come at a time when Pakistan has officially started operating Haj flights on Tuesday. During this, the first batch of 442 Haj pilgrims left for Medina from Islamabad.
Action will be taken against those who break the rules
The Saudi Home Ministry has clarified that strict action will be taken against violation of Haj rules from April 29 to June 10. The ministry said that a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (about Rs 4.5 lakh) will be imposed for performing or attempting Hajj without a valid Hajj permit. This rule will apply to all types of visa holders, whether they have entered Mecca or are staying there.
Fine of 1 lakh Saudi Riyals will be imposed
The ministry further said that if any person applies for a travel visa with the intention of performing Hajj without a Hajj permit or helps such persons to reach Mecca, he will be fined up to 1 lakh Saudi Riyals (about Rs 22.5 lakh). This fine can be multiplied according to the number of persons involved.
Arrest and deportation also possible
Saudi authorities have warned that anyone who provides accommodation, transportation or any kind of assistance to pilgrims without permission in the Hajj area, be it a hotel, private accommodation or Hajj camp, will also be fined up to 1 lakh Riyals. All such illegal attempts will be immediately arrested, deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for at least 10 years.
Number of Pakistani beggars increasing in Saudi
This strict action by Saudi Arabia is being taken due to the increasing number of beggars coming without permits, illegal travelers and those who ignore the rules every year. In the last three years, Saudi Arabia has deported at least 4,700 Pakistani beggars from the country. Saudi authorities have requested the Pakistan government to include the names and passports of these persons in the no-fly list.
How many Haj pilgrims will go to Saudi from Pakistan
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also expressed concern over this problem and said, "Their increasing number is tarnishing the country's image abroad." This year about 89,000 Pakistani Haj pilgrims will go to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme, while 23,620 will leave through private tour operators. Of these, 50,500 passengers will benefit from Saudi Arabia's Mecca route initiative, of which 22,500 will fly from Karachi and 28,000 from Islamabad.
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