Jeddah, August 08: Saudi Arabia is enforcing visa regulations to ensure Umrah pilgrims visiting the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan do not stay on for Haj, the main annual pilgrimage, and to contain the spread of swine flu.
The move follows stepped up surveillance for flu cases after the death of a Saudi physically challenged girl from the virus, pushing the Kingdom’s flu death toll up to seven. H1NI cases are nearing 600 and the government is taking no chances ahead of the busy season.
Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world are expected to undertake the Umrah during Ramadan which starts later in August, heightening fears of the virus spreading. Another two million or more are expected for Haj, which begins in late November.
The Haj and Umrah Division of the passport department has intensified inspections at all border crossings, seaports and airports to keep tabs on the movement of pilgrims.
The passport department has warned Umrah pilgrims against using the services of agents who promise to arrange for their illegal extended stay so that they can also perform Haj. It is common for Umrah pilgrims to remain in the country beyond the expiry date of their visas for Haj.
The media division of the department has also launched awareness campaigns in countries in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Haj. The campaigns are aimed at educating pilgrims about Saudi visa regulations prior to departure.
Lt. Col. Abdullah Al Harthy, passport department spokesman for pilgrimage affairs, said brokers convince Umrah pilgrims to continue their stay in Saudi Arabia until the Haj season.
Punishment for any pilgrim found staying in the Kingdom after the expiry of his visa includes imprisonment and deportation.
He said punishments for people who attempt to give protection or hide those who extend their stay after the lesser pilgrimage include imprisonment and fines.
The introduction of a fingerprinting system would also help prevent attempts by people to stay illegally in the country. —
–Agencies