SJ : Saudi Arabia detains 37 Makassar pilgrims for visa violation

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Saudi Arabia pilgrim visa violation
2. Makassar pilgrims detained Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian authorities detained 37 Indonesian pilgrims from Makassar, South Sulawesi, for visa violations as they only had pilgrimage visa documents not eligible for Hajj. The pilgrims were accused of attempting to perform Hajj with Umrah visa documents. They were stopped by Saudi police officers at a checkpoint in Medina, wearing fake Hajj ID bracelets and cards. One of them functioned as a travel coordinator and entered Saudi Arabia using a multiple-entry visa. Prior to this incident, 19 Indonesian pilgrims were also detained but later released. The Saudi authorities warned them against attempting Hajj with non-Hajj visa documents.

Detention of Indonesian Pilgrims in Mecca

In a recent incident in Mecca, Saudi Arabian authorities detained 37 Indonesian pilgrims from Makassar, South Sulawesi, for visa violations. The pilgrims, consisting of 21 men and 16 women, were accused of attempting to perform Hajj with Umrah visa documents during this year’s Hajj season.

Arrival in Riyadh

The pilgrims initially departed from Indonesia to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a transit in Doha, Qatar. Upon reaching Riyadh, they continued their journey to Medina, but were stopped by Saudi police officers at a checkpoint before reaching the Prophet’s Mosque.

Visa Violations Uncovered

During a security check, the Saudi police officers discovered that the pilgrims held Umrah visas but were in possession of fake Hajj ID bracelets and cards. Some even went as far as forging Hajj visas. One of the detained individuals, identified as SJ, was a travel coordinator who entered Saudi Arabia using a multiple entry visa for one year.

You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea? <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Previous Incidents

Prior to this incident, the Saudi Arabian authorities had detained 19 Indonesian pilgrims for visa violations. These pilgrims were later released after it was found that they were innocent and were warned against attempting to perform Hajj with non-Hajj visa documents.

Deportation of Violators

The 22 Indonesian pilgrims detained on May 28 for visa violations were deported on Saturday evening. The Saudi authorities continue to crack down on individuals attempting to perform Hajj with improper visa documentation.

Importance of Valid Hajj Visas

It is crucial for Hajj pilgrims to possess valid Hajj visas to avoid legal repercussions in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian authorities are vigilant in enforcing visa regulations to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage.