SEAToday.com, Madinah - The Head of the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH), Bir Ali Section, Aziz Hegemur, reported on Wednesday (5/29) that 24 Indonesian pilgrims holding Umrah visas were detained by Saudi Arabian police.
These pilgrims could not present proper Hajj pilgrimage documents during the Miqat ritual at Bir Ali, Medina. Aligned by Mashariq (Hajj officials responsible for pilgrims' movement), Saudi authorities detained them due to the discrepancy between their visas and intended activity.
"We are unsure whether they remain detained, have been released, or the process involved," Aziz explained.
The head of the Madinah Working Area, Ali Machzumi, emphasized the importance of proper documentation.
"Once again, we urge Indonesian citizens to never attempt Hajj without a valid Hajj visa, considering the significant risks involved," he said.