Muslims from around the world have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia to participate in the Hajj, which officially begins on Wednesday. According to Arab media, around 1.5 million pilgrims have already arrived in the country for religious ceremonies.
Before the start of the pilgrimage, Minister of Hajj Affairs Tawfiq Al-Rabiah conducted an inspection of the sites. According to reports, more than 40 support points have been set up, where 11,000 specially assigned staff are ready to provide necessary assistance to pilgrims. However, there will be many more helpers. In total, about 250,000 people are involved in the operation due to the heat.
The authorities have created areas where pilgrims can rest in the shade and receive medical assistance. It is no coincidence that increased attention is being paid to this issue, as last year more than 1,300 people died during the Hajj due to overheating.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior has issued recommendations on how best to travel to the holy sites, which routes to take and how to avoid crowds.
Every pilgrim must have a valid visa and the appropriate pass. Without them, it is impossible to enter the holy sites. Moreover, violators face a large fine (up to 20,000 Saudi riyals, or $5,000), expulsion from the country and even a 10-year ban on entry. Due to the lack of such permits, more than 250,000 people have already been denied entry to the country.
