Deadline extended for Saudis to get Haj permits

RIYADH, 25 February — Under orders from Interior Minister Prince Naif, the deadline to apply for Haj permits by Saudi citizens has been extended to March 2, Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Sajeeni, director general of the Passports Department, said here yesterday.

Authorities have warned prospective pilgrims, both Saudis and expatriates, to obtain permits before they embark on their journey to ritual sites. They said people without permits would be turned back from the checkpoints on highways leading to Makkah. (SPA)