Ministry Of Religion: Saudi Authority Pockets Data On Non Hajj Visa Package Sellers

The Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion, Hilman Latief, greeted the congregation upon arrival at King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah. BETWEEN THE 2024 ANTARA/HO-MCH

MAKKAH - The Ministry of Religion stated that the Government of Saudi Arabia has pocketed data on non-hajj visa package sellers based on the results of investigations carried out by intelligence.

"Yesterday we discussed with representatives of the Ministry of Hajj and they showed the results of their intelligence investigations, Indonesians invited pilgrims to sell package programs with non-hajj visas. They already have the data," said Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion Hilman Latief in Jeddah as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, June 6.

Hilman said the promotion of hajj package programs with non-hajj visas was a serious concern of the Saudi Arabian government. This is in order to provide comfort and security for the official pilgrims of Hajj visa holders.

A few days earlier, 24 Indonesian citizens (WNI) were arrested by Saudi security officers for allegedly reckless pilgrimages even though they only have Umrah visas.

Not long ago, 37 Indonesian citizens were again arrested by the Saudi police for a similar case. Several of the two cases had to be detained because they were indicated as coordinators, while others were returned to the country.

Saudi Arabia has imposed sanctions for violating the use of this non-hajj visa in the form of a fine of 10,000 riyals or around Rp. 42.8 million (exchange rate of Rp. 4,288).

In addition, violators will be deported to their home countries and prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia within 10 years.

Saudi Arabian authorities also issued a regulation that Umrah visa holders 1445 H must leave Saudi Arabia on June 6, 2024. Another rule is that pilgrimage visa holders with various types are not allowed to enter and stay in Makkah from 15 Zulkaidah to 15 Zulhijjah 1445 H.

Hilman also reminded the Indonesian people to comply with the provisions of the Government of Saudi Arabia so that they do not have pilgrimages except to use a Hajj visa.

He asked Indonesian pilgrims who do not have a Hajj visa not to try to worship Hajj because they can deal with Saudi Arabian authorities.

"There are rules that must be obeyed. Please protect this together, so that the Saudi Kingdom's trust in the people of Indonesia is also maintained," he said.