Arrangements for a smooth and comfortable Haj this year are in full swing, said Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region and head of the Central Haj Committee. The Emir reiterated the keenness of the Kingdom to provide all amenities to pilgrims to enable them to perform their rituals in comfort and ease. All required arrangements pertaining to the service of pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet's Mosque in Madina are being made and the concerned authorities are fully prepared with plans for a smooth and comfortable Haj this year, Prince Khalid said. The Emir also pointed out that all plans would be properly discussed prior to their approval and implementation. Prince Khaled, in a statement to the Saudi Press agency (SPA), said the concerned authorities will take effective measures to prevent any violation of Haj regulations including obtaining permission to perform the Haj, to enter Makkah and other holy places. He urged citizens and residents to adhere to the regulations of the Kingdom because “these regulations aim at ensuring their security and safety.” Adherence to the regulations will have a positive impact, he said. Prince Khaled made it clear that severe penalties, including fines and the impounding of vehicles, will be imposed on owners of vehicles transporting irregular pilgrims. In the case of the recurrence of the violation the vehicles may be confiscated, he warned. Several field teams will be formed from relevant departments to function under a single authority to strictly implement the rules and regulations, he said. These teams will ensure that there is no violation of Haj regulations inside the holy places and elsewhere. Any internal pilgrim found without a Haj license will face hefty fines in addition to other penalties including deportation. The Emir said it was essential for sponsors to urge their employees to adhere to the regulations and obtain Haj permission in time. Prince Khaled said a plan prepared by the Central Haj Committee and the Executive Committee for transportation of the pilgrims has been approved by the Interior Minister and head of the Higher Haj Committee. He said the plan, an integrated awareness campaign through different audio-visual media means, aims at making citizens and residents aware of the importance of obtaining Haj licenses. Prince Khaled said the Ministry of Haj has made it incumbent upon establishments for internal pilgrims to have proper camps with reasonable prices. He said the establishments should transport their pilgrims to Makkah and the holy places aboard licensed vehicles. “Implementation of these arrangements will have an effective role as regards enabling the pilgrims to perform their rituals through regular means,” he said. Prince Khaled said all required arrangements have been put in place for public transport between car parking zones at the entrances of Makkah, the central zone around the Holy Mosque and the car parking zones at the holy places. __
