Decision to take effect April 29 as part of preparations for upcoming pilgrimage season
Failure to comply will result in the enforcement of the ‘harshest penalties’ against violators.
Cairo: Saudi authorities have banned hospitality facilities in the Saudi holy city of Mecca from accommodating any guests unless they hold a Hajj permit or a Mecca entry permit for residents during this year’s Islamic pilgrimage season.
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has sent an urgent circular to all hospitality facilities in Mecca, stressing that this decision will take effect starting from the first day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Qadah, corresponding to April 29, the Okaz newspaper has reported.
The paper quoted the ministry as saying that the stipulation is based on concerns for the safety and security of pilgrims and complies with instructions issued by the relevant authorities in the kingdom.
The ministry warned that failure to comply with the circular and its provisions will result in the enforcement of the “harshest penalties” against violators in accordance with the tourism law and its executive regulations.
Saudi Arabia has already set April 29 as the final day for Muslim foreigners performing the Umrah rites or lesser pilgrimage in Mecca to leave the country, as the kingdom is stepping up efforts for the upcoming Hajj season. This year’s Hajj is due in early June.
Hajj is one of Islam’s five obligatory duties. Muslims, who can physically and financially afford Hajj, have to perform it at least once in a lifetime.
In November, a Saudi ministerial decree tightened rules for obtaining a gun licence and linked it to doing a mandatory drug test.
Amendments stipulated that passing a toxicology test is mandatory for obtaining a licence to carry individual firearms and hunting weapons.
A toxicology test, also referred to as a tox screen, is conducted to determine traces of drugs in one’s blood and urine.
Other requirements are that the licence applicant must be a Saudi national, at least 22 years old, and free of any criminal record or security restrictions.
Additionally, the applicant must not have a disability or disease that could hinder the use of firearms.
Possession of an individual firearm or ammunition without a licence is punishable in Saudi Arabia by 18 months in prison and a fine of up to SR6,000, or one of these two penalties.
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