In this file photo, security officials look over permits of drivers at a checkpoint between Jeddah and the holy city of Makkah.

Security forces throughout Jazan and Asir have arrested 23,713 pilgrims who, in direct violation of Haj regulations, did not obtain official Haj permits.

In Jazan, security authorities at Al-Hamra, Al-Reem and Al-Shuqaiq checkpoints turned away 16,300 persons of various nationalities who did not have Haj permits with them. Meanwhile the number of vehicles in violation of Haj regulations stands at approximately 5,500.

Maj. Gen. Nasser bin Saleh Al-Duwaisee, the chief of police for Jazan region, directed all security bodies to intensify their efforts to serve the pilgrims and to arrest any violators trying infiltrate the area without the correct permit to perform Haj.

“The efforts made by all employees represent our duty to serve our guests,” Al-Duwaisee said during his inspection tour on Monday, which included the checkpoint centers mentioned above, as well as multiple checks related to the functioning and performance of the employees of the security authorities.

During the tour he was greeted by Brig. Gen. Hamad bin Suroor Al-Ruwiaqi, director of the follow-up and supervision department for the checkpoint centers, along with Special Security Force Commander Col. Khalid Hamad Al-Ruwaite, the director of the Administrative Supervision Department at Al-Shuqaiq.

During the tour, Al-Duwaisee met the officers and members of the force working at one of the centers and applauded them for their efforts, and extended to them the thanks of Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammad bin Nasser as well as the thanks of the Director of Public Security.

In a related matter, Asir police stationed at the border area arrested 7,316 violators of Haj permit regulations. Asir police spokesman Maj. Zaid bin Mohammed Al-Qahtani said police has put in place an action plan at all police centers of the governorate and on the roads leading to Makkah to arrest any violators of Haj regulations.

“The efforts resulted in the arrest of 7,316 violators without Haj permits from different nationalities, of which 3,390 were Saudi citizens. In addition, 1,801 carriers were arrested for acting in violation of the transport regulations of illegal pilgrims,” said the spokesperson.

He added that four fake Haj offices were detected along with nine expat brokers; the necessary regulatory procedures have now been taken against them.

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