Saudi Arabia detects 160 fake Hajj campaigns: Official

The Holy Mosque in Makkah

Colonel Talal Al-Shalhoub, Security Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, said 160 fake Hajj campaigns were detected this year, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Shalhoub told reporters that the security authorities sent back 256,500 holders of visit visas, as well as 250,400 non-residents of Makkah for being not permitted to perform Hajj.

In addition, the authorities detected 6,135 violators of residency, work, and border security regulations in Makkah, as well as 159 violators transporting unregistered pilgrims.