Saudi Arabia: Residents Arrested Over Fake Haj Accommodation Ads

Saudi Arabia: Two Arrested for Spreading Fake Hajj Accommodation Ads

The Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region Police took swift action by apprehending two residents involved in the dissemination of counterfeit Hajj campaign advertisements. These misleading ads falsely promised accommodation for pilgrims, adding to the challenges faced by individuals seeking authentic Hajj services.

In response to this deceptive scheme, the Directorate of Public Security of Saudi Arabia issued a stern warning to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise caution when encountering advertisements on social media platforms. These fraudulent ads often purport to offer services such as arranging Hajj on behalf of others, distributing sacrificial animals, selling Hajj bracelets, and providing transportation, preying on the vulnerability of prospective pilgrims.

Emphasizing the importance of authenticity, the authority clarified that ‘The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project For Utilization Of Hady & Adahi’ serves as the official entity responsible for the sale and marketing of sacrificial animals, ransom, and charity bonds for Hajj pilgrims. It urged individuals to utilize official channels such as the adahi.org website, the Ehsan platform, or the unified contact number 920020193 to procure these services and ensure transparency.

Furthermore, the directorate reiterated the necessity for citizens and residents to adhere strictly to Hajj regulations. To facilitate the reporting of violators, contact numbers were provided for the regions of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Riyadh, and Al-Sharqiyah, with 911 designated for emergencies and 999 for other inquiries across the country.

Recent announcements from the country’s Ministry of Interior underscored the importance of obtaining a Hajj permit for entry into Makkah. Failure to possess a valid permit may result in severe penalties, including a fine of 10,000 riyals (approximately Dh 9,800). This enforcement measure is slated to commence from June 2, 2024, until June 20, 2024, targeting individuals found without permits in key areas such as the city of Mecca, central zones, sacred sites, the Al-Haramain Train Station in Al-Rasifa, security control centers, temporary security checkpoints, and sorting facilities.

As Saudi authorities intensify efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Hajj pilgrimage and protect the rights of pilgrims, vigilance and adherence to official protocols remain paramount. Through robust enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns, the Kingdom aims to uphold the sanctity and authenticity of this revered religious obligation.