22 Non-Hajj Visa Holders From Indonesia Freed By The Saudi Arabian Prosecutor's Office

Illustration - Jamaah for Indonesian Hajj candidates when taking Miqat at Ali Beer, Medina, before leaving for Makkah. (ANTARA/MCH 2024)

MADINAH - A total of 22 non-hajj visa holders from Indonesia who were secured in Beer Ali, Medina, Tuesday (28/5), were declared innocent and released by the Saudi Arabian prosecutor's office.

Meanwhile, two other people who also acted as coordinators were detained and subject to Article Transporting Haj from the Saudi security authorities.

"They have been processed at the prosecutor's office, 22 people have been declared innocent, they are considered victims. Meanwhile, two people who are the coordinators, the initials MH and JJ, along with the driver and bus owner, were detained," said Indonesian Consul General Jeddah Yusron Bambary in Jeddah, Thursday.

Previously, 24 non-official Hajj visa holders had to deal with Saudi Arabian security forces while taking Miqat at Ali's beer on Tuesday.

They are known to be unable to show supporting documents for the pilgrimage when leaving Beer Ali for Makkah. Because they were considered illegal, they were eventually taken to the Saudi police station and had to undergo trial.

Yusron explained that when they were arrested at Bir Ali, they were examined by intelligence from the Arab security forces. The coordinator submits examples of other people's Hajj visas.

"The visa did not match the passport. After being checked, they turned out to be using a pilgrimage visa," said Yusron.

However, because they were arrested before carrying out the pilgrimage, 22 people, except for the coordinator and bus driver, were finally released. "These worshipers come from Banten," he said.

After being declared innocent, the fate of the 22 people is still waiting for the follow-up after that, whether they are deported directly or not. They are currently in a hotel in Medina.

Meanwhile, for the two detained coordinators, they are subject to Article Transporting Haj with the threat of a fine of 50 thousand riyals, six months in prison, and being blocked for 10 years to Saudi Arabia.

"The examination will usually be accompanied, there is a request. If it is not accompanied, there is usually a translator there," he said.

The government of Saudi Arabia, said Yusron, is currently tightening the routes to Makkah. Every group of Hajj candidates who want to go to Al-Haram must pass several checks.

This step is intended to prevent those who do not have an official Hajj visa from entering Makkah. This condition is for the convenience of every pilgrimage procession.

Yusron advised the Indonesian people who will have the pilgrimage to use the official route that has been set by the government, do not be easily lulled by the lure of other visas for Hajj.

"Before leaving, make sure the visa is a Hajj visa," he said.