Indonesian Pilgrims for Hajj 2024 Deported from Saudi Arabia for Visa Violations

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Twenty-two Indonesian citizens were detained by Saudi security forces for Hajj visa violations while en route to Mecca and are set to be deported, confirmed Yusron B Ambary, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah.

The incident occurred on May 28, 2024, around 12:00 PM local time when 24 pilgrims holding non-Hajj visas from Indonesia were apprehended by Saudi police at the Miqat Masjid Bir Ali in Madinah for failing to present pilgrimage documents.

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"Twenty-two Indonesian nationals will be deported. One of the deportation penalties includes a ten-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia," explained Yusron via online messaging from Makkah on Friday, May 31, 2024.

Additionally, two individuals serving as coordinators for the group have been designated as suspects and will face legal proceedings.

Yusron further stated that the Indonesian Consulate General's team had met with the detainees twice, and they were transferred to immigration the previous night. This morning, the Consulate General's team is assisting them with the exit process. The 22 pilgrims are scheduled to return to Indonesia on a Garuda flight departing from Madinah to Jakarta on June 1, 2024, at 11:00 PM local time.

Responding to inquiries regarding possible fines for the deported Indonesians, Yusron clarified that Saudi authorities had announced fines would be imposed starting June 2, 2024.

In addition to these developments, the Saudi Arabian government has implemented regulations stipulating that pilgrimage visas cannot be used to enter Makkah until the 15th of Zulhijjah 1445 H. These regulations aim to ensure that only pilgrims with valid Hajj visas can perform the pilgrimage in accordance with applicable rules.

The incident underscores the importance of adhering to visa regulations especially for hajj when undertaking religious pilgrimages, emphasizing the need for pilgrims to obtain the appropriate visas and comply with the requirements set forth by the Saudi authorities. (*)

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