The Saudi Commission for Investigation and Prosecution has received 40 documented cases of Haj law violations.

The violators include bus drivers who smuggled pilgrims without permits and service providers who tried to sell Haj packages without authorization. They will be subjected to interrogation and then referred to special courts for speedy trials.

Sources told the local media that the commission has completed initial investigations but that documentation for other offenders has yet to reach it.

Meanwhile, Jeddah police sources said the cases of expatriate residents who went on pilgrimage without authorization have been referred to the Department of Expatriate Affairs for further action. The unauthorized pilgrims were fingerprinted at the holy sites and border check-posts during Haj.

They will be deported and prevented from returning to the Kingdom for 10 years. Saudis violating Haj laws will be fined and jailed.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has embarked on the implementation of a departure plan for pilgrims and has threatened to impose severe punishment on airlines found lagging behind schedule.

The aim, said GACA spokesman Khaled Al-Khaibari, is to prevent crowding at King Abdulaziz International Airport. He said several parties joined efforts with the airport administration to coordinate the timely departure of pilgrims.

The assistant general manager of Saudi Arabian Airlines said the carrier achieved record rates in flying on time, adding that around 162,000 passengers left by the Saudia.