The Passports Department in Makkah will launch a month-long campaign against Umrah overstayers starting from Sept. 24 (15th Shawwal, 1431 H), officials said Thursday. The department's patrols will be deployed to carry out the campaign following reports that the number of illegal residents has increased after Ramadan, according to Staff Sgt. Maher Al-Hibshi, spokesman for the Makkah Passports Department. The Passports Department conducts yearly surveillance of places where illegal residents are expected to stay, said Al-Hibshi. He called on citizens and expatriates to not shelter overstayers and report any person they suspect to be overstaying. Al-Hibshi said the Makkah Passports Department is coordinating with the Haj ministry this year to put an end to overstaying by Umrah pilgrims. Umrah companies have also been asked to submit the departure dates of pilgrims under their care.
