Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH/TAIF — Pilgrims seeking to perform Haj without permits are increasingly looking for ways to infiltrate the holy sites, including resorting to drivers who ask for at least SR250 to drop them off at Makkah's Sitteen Street. Okaz/Saudi Gazette witnessed the chaos caused mostly by Arab and African nationals in addition to Saudis who cannot afford the cost of the regulated Haj trip. These pilgrims, who do not have Haj permits, would negotiate with drivers to drop them off in Makkah. Director of Public Security Saeed Al-Qahtani had previously pointed out that technology will be used to regulate the entry of pilgrims and warned those who are caught entering Makkah illegally that they will be prosecuted. He said: “We seek to implement the government regulations that aim to facilitate Haj smoothly and regulated pilgrims will be protected by the law.” The Ministry of Interior specifies a penalty of up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to SR100,000 for drivers who transport illegal pilgrims, while pilgrims are deported to their countries. Some pilgrims have walked for more than five kilometers to get into Makkah, but a security source said infiltrations have declined this year by around 60 percent compared to previous years. Head of Haj Security Saad Al-Khelaiwi said there are 55 checkpoints along dirt roads with a large number of security personnel covering all main and dirt roads into Makkah. He said the Al-Baheetah Center receives huge numbers of pilgrims, with a parking capacity of 6,000 vehicles. From the highest point in Al-Hada Mountain, Okaz/Saudi Gazette witnessed illegal pilgrims crossing on foot and putting their lives in danger while vehicles wait for them on the other side of the nearby checkpoint to transport them to Makkah. Undercover police patrols have been trying to crack down on these violations by prosecuting the drivers of these vehicles. Acting Director of Taif Police Hasan Al-Ghethami said that the police's role is facilitating traffic at the inspection points and dealing with drivers who transport illegal pilgrims by impounding their vehicles and arresting them.
