*Says 300 forged visas uncovered
*Warns Pilgrims against breaching visa terms
As the Saudi Arabian authorities conclude receiving Muslims arriving in the country to undertake pilgrims for this year, no fewer than 1,708,152 have reportedly been recorded by the authorities. The intending pilgrims arrived in Jeddah and Madinah through land, sea and air.
The DEFENDER gathered that the Director General of Passports in Saudi Arabia, Major General Suleiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, said at a press conference in Jeddah Thursday, August 7 that up till 12 noon of said date 1,819,790 pilgrims have come to the Kingdom to perform the annual Hajj rites.
He gave a breakdown of the figure as 1,708,152 people arriving through airports across the Kingdom, 94,388 through land ports, while 17,250 came via sea.
He said that over 300 forged visas were discovered upon arrival of some intending pilgrims.
Major General Al Yahya recounted the efforts made by the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef and the Minister of Defense in providing all possible resources to ensure the arrival phase of the Hajj pilgrimage was made swift and smooth due to the advanced technology, as well as efficient employees to carry out the process in record time.
He warned all pilgrims against staying beyond the Hajj season, and to return home after completing their Hajj rites in accordance with their issued visas, saying all those caught will face the wrath of the law.
The Director said that the Directorate is already preparing for the second phase concerning the departure of the pilgrims to their various countries.
