Saudi Arabian authorities have apprehended four foreigners, including two Pakistani, for operating a fraudulent Hajj agency, scamming pilgrims. The arrests took place in Makkah, Islam’s holiest city, where the suspects were found issuing counterfeit Nusk Cards, Hajj permits, and other documents.
The police also seized fake stamps from various government departments and computers from their possession. The suspects have been transferred to the public prosecution for further legal action.
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With the Hajj rituals scheduled to commence on June 14 in Saudi Arabia, authorities are taking strict measures against unauthorized pilgrims. Security forces have already expelled around 300,000 unregistered pilgrims from Makkah.
International reports stress Saudi officials’ emphasis on meticulous planning and management to accommodate millions of pilgrims during Hajj. Last year, Makkah welcomed 1.8 million pilgrims for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Recent updates from the state news agency reveal that 153,998 foreigners, who entered Makkah on tourist visas instead of the mandatory Hajj visas, have been expelled. Additionally, 171,587 non-Makkah residents without the required Hajj permits have been arrested by Saudi authorities.
