In the light of the ongoing pandemic, Hajj is being performed this year with special rules and SOPs in effect. Moreover, only locals are going to perform Hajj this year and Foreigners are not coming this year.
The official spokesperson for the Hajj security forces command, Brigadier General Sami Ali Shuwairekh that 20 violations of the instructions of Hajj have been caught up till now.
He urged citizens and pilgrims to abide by the rules off Hajj and the guidelines provided to them. He warned that action would be taken against anyone who tried to reach Masjid-Al Haraam, the central area around it (Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat) without permission.
General Security plan for Hajj:
The general security plan for the Hajj 1442 Hijri in compliance with the precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus and inhibitory procedures to battle the corona virus pandemic has been approved by Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi minister for interior and chairman of the Hajj Higher Committee.
The plan has been designed in accordance with the commands of the two custodians of Holy Kaaba namely King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz and his royal highness Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.
Hajj Smart Card for pilgrims started for teller services
With this smart card, the foreign pilgrims can make transaction from their bank account in their countries. This year as only local pilgrims are performing the Hajj; therefore,the foreign pilgrims can avail this Smart Card from the next Hajj season.
This card can be used as a payment method in the Saudi Kingdom. However, more services will be added to the smart card in the second phase of its application.
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had launched this Smart Card in December,2020 and it will be prompted for all pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season.
The issued smart cards for each pilgrim will comprise of his personal, medical and residential information. This policy by the Saudi Government is a great step to serving pilgrims through the use of technology.
