The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a statement clarifying that some tour operators from various countries have been deceiving tourist visa holders.

Colonel Talal Al Shalhoub, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior's security spokesman, stated that these businesses have been pushing the holders of tourist visas, which are not intended for Hajj, to illegally stay in Makkah two months prior to the Hajj season.

Colonel Al Shalhoub highlighted that some people interested in performing Hajj end up using visit visas or other non-Hajj visas.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Interior has initiated awareness and media efforts to deter such behavior and punish violators severely.

"A Hajj permit is not just a transit card but a crucial tool that facilitates access to pilgrims and identifies their locations to provide necessary care and services promptly,” Al Shalhoub added, underlining the importance of the permit for safeguarding the safety and well-being of pilgrims.

The security arrangements for the 2024 Hajj season were carried out smoothly, thanks to the efforts of the nation's highest officials and Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif, who is both the Minister of the Interior and the chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee.

These strategies were implemented well in advance and comprised coordinated efforts between numerous security, military, and government institutions.

This ensured that pilgrims could complete their rites safely and comfortably.

According to Al Shalhoub, the majority of the deaths during the Hajj season were among people who did not have Hajj permits. This accounts for 83 percent of the total fatalities, or 1,079 unauthorized pilgrims out of 1,301.