The Ministry of Haj has warned all Haj and Umrah companies against housing pilgrims in properties that have not obtained licenses from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, saying that licensing is required of all property owners in Makkah and Madina renting accommodation to pilgrims. The ministry added that any breaches of the conditions would be “severely penalized”. The ministry has also banned the entry of foreign bus companies vehicles into the central area in Madina for a period of 60 days, from the month of Sha'ban until the end of Ramadan. The vehicles must now be parked at designated Land Pilgrims Parking Lots in Madina. According to the ministry, the move will reduce congestion in the central area as the number of pilgrim increase. In the last few days the increase in pilgrim numbers arriving in Madina has been noticeable, with 32 flights arriving at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport on Thursday alone.
