Advisory on the 2009 Pilgrimage
PRESS RELEASE NO. APV- 65 -2009
16 November 2009
The Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh wishes to inform Filipino nationals residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who will perform the 2009 Annual Pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah that the Security Forces of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set up eleven (11) checkpoints in areas surrounding Makkah to prevent illegal entry of individuals who have not secured or not carrying Hajj permits. It was reported that the Saudi authorities are equipped with state of the art devices and have deployed well-trained security officers to secure the entrance leading to the city of Makkah.
Saudi authorities have warned that violators will face punishments of public defamation, confiscation of vehicles and deportation. While smugglers of pilgrims will be fined for SAR10,000.00 and imprisonment for six (6) months. (Arab News, 09 November 2009).
Licensed Hajj service providers and operators are requiring intending pilgrims to submit the following requirements for the processing of Hajj Permits: form provided by the Saudi Hajj authorities to be duly stamped by the employer (form can be secured from licensed Hajj service providers and operators), meningitis vaccine certificate, blood type, copies of iqamas and passports and three passport-sized photographs.
Saudi authorities are applying strict procedures for the issuance of Hajj permits to intending pilgrims. Application will take a minimum of three days before a Hajj permit could be issued from the date of its submission with complete requirements.
His Excellency Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor has advised the general public who are wishing to perfom the 2009 pilgrimage to Makkah to enroll at licensed Hajj service providers and operators. The Embassy has not authorized any individual or group or anyone from its staff to organize a Hajj mission to the Holy City of Makkah. END
