Foreign Ministry succeeds in freeing ‘Hajj violators’

By Merza Noghai - Oct 15,2014 - Last updated at Oct 15,2014

AMMAN — Saudi Arabian authorities on Wednesday released 35 Jordanians who had been detained for violating Hajj regulations, an official said.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ashraf Khasawneh told The Jordan Times over the phone that it was the second group of Jordanians freed from Saudi custody this week.

Another 15 Jordanians detained for the same reasons were released earlier this week.

“Most of the 50 Jordanians are residents of Saudi Arabia. They were arrested for not having a special permit to perform Hajj,” Khasawneh added.

Everyone who wants to perform Hajj (the greater Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) whether a Saudi or non-Saudi has to get a special permit. Violators are fined SR10,000 (around JD1,900), their vehicles are confiscated and names published in local newspapers.

Khasawneh said the Foreign Ministry’s efforts and contacts through the general consulate in Jeddah resulted in their release and waiving fines.

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