MINA: A top security official confirmed that Al-Shumaisi check point on the Jeddah-Makkah highway will remain closed for undocumented pilgrims on Wednesday.

He was responding to rumors in Jeddah that checking of pilgrims’ documents will be stopped after the Duhr prayers on Wednesday.

According to rumors, many pilgrims who have no Haj permits where planning to came directly to Arafat on Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Khaled bin Nashat Al-Qahtani said previously that patrols have been deployed to prevent traffic and other violations at Makkah’s entry points. The aim is to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals safely, he said.

Al-Qahtani said there are royal directives that outline penalties for people failing to comply with Haj regulations. Citizens and expatriates transporting illegal pilgrims would be arrested and have their vehicles seized, he said.