Saudi Arabian authorities have released a video showcasing the use of drones to detect and apprehend individuals attempting to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without the required permits.
The video depicts a drone identifying a vehicle suspected of transporting undocumented pilgrims in the desert. The drone then relayed the vehicle’s location to ground patrols, who swiftly intervened and made arrests, according to local reports.
This operation is part of a stringent campaign, known as “No Hajj Without a Permit,” designed to prevent individuals from undertaking the pilgrimage without proper documentation.
Saudi Arabia mandates that all pilgrims possess a specific Hajj visa obtained through official channels.
The Ministry of Interior has stated that individuals found violating these regulations will face severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $26,660 USD), and deportation for foreign nationals. Deported individuals may also be barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for up to a decade.
The government is also seeking court orders to confiscate vehicles used to transport unauthorized pilgrims.
Officials are particularly concerned about individuals entering Saudi Arabia on visit visas and attempting to remain in the country to participate in the Hajj.
They are warning that anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without the necessary permit could be fined up to 20,000 riyals (approximately $5,330 USD).
The Saudi government maintains that these regulations are essential for ensuring the safety and organization of the Hajj pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world each year
