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JEDDAH: The number of pilgrims who have left the Kingdom reached more than 400,000 as of Saturday, the General Directorate of Passports said.
“The total departures were 407,220 pilgrims. Pilgrims who left via land crossings reached 42,893; 359,508 departed from airports and 4,819 through sea ports,” the directorate added.
The directorate told pilgrims that leaving before their Hajj visa expires after performing their pilgrimage “avoids penalties prescribed by law.” Pilgrims were also warned not to travel outside Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah.
The directorate said companies providing services to pilgrims must not delay in reporting any pilgrims who overstay. “This delay may cause these companies to be subject to the prescribed penalties.”
The directorate has issued 90 administrative decisions against citizens and residents who transported pilgrims without a permit, with fines totaling SR5 million ($1,333,244). “The penalties varied between fines and prison sentences. It included deportation ... of the offender, and confiscation of the vehicle used to transport pilgrims.”