MAKKAH, 19 January 2005 — The Makkah police have prevented more than 500 pilgrims without proper Haj permits from entering Makkah. The pilgrims were arrested at ten different points which are often used by those without legal permits. Once inside the area, they are free to proceed to Makkah and the holy sites.
Police began monitoring the entry points some 24 hours before the beginning of Haj. Interior Minister Prince Naif has directed the authorities to increase their presence at entry points in order to prevent pilgrims without permits from entering Makkah.
Those who smuggle the illegal pilgrims into the city charge from SR200 to SR500 per person. One smuggler made some SR15,000 last year and the total number of illegal pilgrims last year was in excess of 300,000.
Most of the Saudis who were turned back expressed their regret at not having legal permits. Some said they would try to get into Makkah later when the road was crowded while others said they would return home and would try again next year. A number of vehicles have also been seized. The cars will not be released to the owners until after Haj.
A common sight is to see groups of people begging the police to let them enter Makkah. The police, however, are not allowing cars or pilgrims without permits to enter the city.
