MAKKAH: Eleven checkpoints equipped with state of the art technology have been set up near all entrances to Makkah to root out pilgrims attempting to enter the holy city illegally.

“We have stationed qualified staff at all air, land and sea entry points to welcome pilgrims and facilitate their entry to Makkah and Madinah,” commander of the Haj security forces for passports Col. Ayied bin Taghaleeb Al-Harbi told Arab News.

Col. Al-Harbi promised severe punishments for those who try to smuggle in domestic pilgrims who are not carrying Haj permits. “Smugglers may face a fine of SR10,000, imprisonment of six months or the two punishments together,” he said.

Al-Harbi added that the punishments might also include confiscation of the vehicle, public defamation and deportation.

Domestic pilgrims will need to present their Haj permits, vaccination certificates and photocopies of their Iqama at the checkpoints, Al-Harbi said. “We have devices to reveal forged documents and also have security forces to prevent smugglers from taking irregular pilgrims into Makkah through various land routes,” he said.

On the overstayers still living under Al-Mansour Bridge in Makkah, Col. Al-Harbi said the local Passport Department is coordinating with security forces and consulates to gradually deport them, after checking their fingerprints for any criminal records.

“We are working on final solutions which would ensure that these illegal overstayers would never dare come back,” he said.