Over 17,000 people arrested by Saudi Arabian security authorities for lacking Hajj permits.

Saudi Arabian security authorities have arrested 17,615 individuals performing the Hajj pilgrimage without permits.

Citing information from the Saudi Press Agency, as reported by Arab News, this figure represents the total number of violators apprehended up to Friday, June 30, 2023.

Director of Public Security and Head of the Hajj Security Committee, Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami, detailed that this number includes 9,509 violators of residency, work, and border security regulations, and 105 organizers of fraudulent Hajj pilgrimages.

"All (files) have been referred to the Public Prosecution," said Al-Bassami.

In addition to this number, 202,695 individuals were also found to be without Hajj permits and were turned back from Makkah entry points.

Furthermore, 128,999 vehicles lacking permits to enter Makkah and the holy sites were also turned away.

Al-Bassami stated that 33 individuals transporting pilgrims without Hajj permits were arrested and referred to the seasonal administrative committee under the General Directorate of Passports at the Makkah entry points for disciplinary action.

He also added that the Hajj security forces implemented the security and organizational plan with high efficiency and professionalism.