Ministry Of Interior Unveils Comprehensive Security Plans For Hajj 1446 AH With Zero Tolerance For Violations

The Ministry of Interior recently held a press conference at the Unified Security Operations Center. The event focused on the comprehensive security and organizational strategies for the Hajj season 1446 AH. Key officials, including Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, were present to discuss these plans.

Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami highlighted Saudi Arabia's dedication to ensuring a safe and organized environment for pilgrims. He mentioned that these efforts align with directives from the minister of interior and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee. The plans cover all aspects of security, public order, crowd management, traffic flow, and emergency response.

Al-Bassami issued a strong warning against any attempts to disrupt security or violate regulations during Hajj. He emphasized that such actions would face strict consequences. The readiness of the Grand Mosque and holy sites to manage large crowds was also stressed, aiming to reduce congestion and maintain safety.

The General Directorate of Public Security has been active in enforcing regulations. Authorities have seized 252 fake Hajj campaigns and apprehended 1,239 transporters violating Hajj rules. Additionally, they turned back 109,632 unauthorized vehicles and 269,678 individuals not residing in Makkah.

Seasonal traffic management plans are in place for routes leading to Makkah and Madinah. These plans ensure smooth movement for pilgrims by managing central area entrances effectively. Al-Omari detailed field plans focusing on preventing unauthorized access to holy sites.

Efforts include managing crowd movement at the Jamarat stoning facility and the southern courtyard of the Grand Mosque. This ensures smooth flow and safety for pilgrims during their rituals.

Innovations in Safety Operations

A significant development this year is the deployment of the "Falcon" drone for firefighting and rescue operations. Maj. Gen. Dr. Hamoud Al-Faraj announced this addition to enhance safety measures during Hajj.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense is ready to implement its approved plan, focusing on serving pilgrims efficiently through advanced technology like drones.

Comprehensive Pilgrim Management

Maj. Gen. Dr. Saleh Al-Marba outlined an integrated plan within the Ministry's security framework built on four pillars: readiness at ports, enforcement against illegal transporters, support through field presence at holy sites, and organized pilgrim departures post-rituals.

This plan ensures full readiness at air, land, and sea ports under initiatives like the Makkah Route Initiative while leveraging capabilities at all ports for efficient pilgrim management.

The number of visit visa holders arriving for Hajj reached 205,713 this year. Authorities also turned back 75,943 individuals without Hajj permits and 11,610 who violated residency or labor regulations.

With inputs from SPA