Saudi Arabia Uses Drones to Catch Illegal Pilgrims Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Arabia has implemented advanced technologies, including drones, to strengthen efforts in identifying unauthorized pilgrims ahead of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

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Key Measures

Advanced Surveillance

• Drone Technology: The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Public Security has deployed drones equipped with high-resolution cameras to monitor violators and vehicles transporting unauthorized pilgrims.
• Operational Campaign: This initiative is part of the campaign titled “No Hajj Without a Permit,” aimed at cracking down on illegal pilgrimage activities.

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Real-Time Monitoring

• A recent video demonstrated a drone detecting a suspicious vehicle in the desert, suspected of carrying undocumented pilgrims. The drone transmitted the vehicle’s coordinates to security patrols, leading to swift arrests.

AI and Thermal Imaging

• The drones are integrated into a comprehensive surveillance system using artificial intelligence and thermal cameras to enhance detection capabilities for violators.

Enforcement Actions

• Saudi authorities have arrested several individuals involved in the illegal transport of undocumented pilgrims.
• The Ministry of Interior has established ad-hoc seasonal committees to impose administrative penalties, including:
  • Prison Sentences: For violators.
  • Fines: Up to SR100,000 per violator.
  • Deportation: Expatriates involved will be deported after serving their sentences, with a 10-year ban on re-entry into Saudi Arabia.
  • Vehicle Confiscation: Judicial orders have been sought to seize vehicles used for illegal transport.

Visa Regulations

• A Hajj visa is mandatory for performing the pilgrimage. Holders of visit visas are prohibited from undertaking Hajj.
• Overseas pilgrims must obtain a Hajj visa through Saudi authorities, coordinated with Hajj Affairs offices in 80 countries or via the Nusuk Hajj platform for pilgrims from 126 countries.
• The Ministry has announced fines of up to SR20,000 for anyone attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.

These stringent measures are in response to concerns about foreign visitors overstaying their visas to perform Hajj illegally, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the pilgrimage regulations.

Hajj is a fundamental obligation in Islam, required at least once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able.

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