407,000 Pilgrims Leave Saudi Arabia After Performing Hajj
09 September 2017Mohammed Al-Sulami
JEDDAH: The number of pilgrims who have left the Kingdom reached more than
400,000 as of Saturday, the General Directorate of Passports said.
"The total departures were 407,220 pilgrims. Pilgrims who left via land
crossings reached 42,893; 359,508 departed from airports and 4,819 through sea
ports," the directorate added.
The directorate told pilgrims that leaving before their Hajj visa expires
after performing their pilgrimage "avoids penalties prescribed by law."
Pilgrims were also warned not to travel outside Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah.
The directorate said companies providing services to pilgrims must not delay
in reporting any pilgrims who overstay. "This delay may cause these companies
to be subject to the prescribed penalties."
The directorate has issued 90 administrative decisions against citizens and
residents who transported pilgrims without a permit, with fines totaling SR5
million ($1,333,244). "The penalties varied between fines and prison
sentences. It included deportation ... of the offender, and confiscation of
the vehicle used to transport pilgrims."
Madinah businesses get sales boost during Hajj season
Madinah experiences a sales boom during the Hajj season, due to the greater
number of shoppers, especially pilgrims.
Textiles, ready-made garments, gold, silver, jewelry and electronics are the
most popular items.
"There are many types of gold, including Kuwaiti and Bahraini, but local gold
is the most requested due to its quality and diversity of designs," said
Suhail Al-Muhari, a salesman at a gold shop on Assalam Street.
Hajj Hassan Mohammed Hassan from Egypt said he bought prayer beads and rings
for his brothers and relatives, and a handbag and a piece of cloth for his
wife.
Shopkeeper Abdullah Abdul Hamid said traditional beads cost less than SR10
($2.67), but "some pilgrims look for high-quality beads made from precious
stones that are worth thousands of riyals."
Dates are another popular gift, and date shops and markets abound.
"Pilgrims prefer to buy Ajwah dates," said Pakistani vendor Mohammad Assem.
"The price of 1 kg ranges from SR35 to SR80."
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