Saudi- Security measures to prevent illegal Hajis

(MENAFN- Arab News) Saudi security authorities have begun preparations to stop Saudis and expatriates wanting to perform the annual pilgrimage without valid Haj permits. "We have already taken some measures to put an end to the problem of undocumented pilgrims during the Haj season," said Deputy Makkah Gov. Abdul Aziz Al-Khodairy. He said there would be changes in the location of checkpoints along the roads to Makkah, Mina and Arafat to prevent people from sneaking into the holy sites. "We'll use advanced monitoring cameras at checkpoints," he said after holding a meeting with senior security officers in the region to discuss mechanisms to stop Haj law violators and implement punishment on them. Security officers at checkpoints would keep a close watch on incoming pilgrims in order to stop illegals. Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal announced on Sunday that expatriates sneaking into the holy sites without Haj permits would be deported immediately and would be banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.